ICG and Gujarat ATS seize 526 kg of heroin and methamphetamine worth over ₹3,000 crore from Iranian dhow
On 30 September 2026 the Centre announced that the Indian Coast Guard and Gujarat ATS, with central agencies, had seized about 526 kg of heroin and methamphetamine worth over ₹3,000 crore from an Iranian dhow west of Lakshadweep and arrested five Pakistani nationals.
Summary
The Indian Coast Guard, in coordination with the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad, intercepted a suspicious Iranian dhow in the Arabian Sea west of Lakshadweep on 25 September 2026, within India's Exclusive Economic Zone. About 526 kg of narcotics were seized and five Pakistani crew members were arrested; the vessel was escorted to Mumbai. Home Minister Amit Shah described the 16-day operation as an example of inter-agency coordination towards a Nasha Mukt Bharat.
Key facts
- Seizure
- ~526 kg heroin and methamphetamine, worth over ₹3,000 crore
- Where
- Arabian Sea, west of Lakshadweep (India's EEZ)
- Interception
- 25 September 2026; Iranian dhow
- Arrested
- 5 Pakistani nationals
- Agencies
- Indian Coast Guard, Gujarat ATS, central intelligence agencies
- Escorted to
- Mumbai
Practice MCQs 2 questions
In the narcotics seizure announced on 30 September 2026, about how much heroin and methamphetamine was seized from an Iranian dhow?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 526 kg
About 526 kg of heroin and methamphetamine worth over ₹3,000 crore was seized.
Consider the following statements about the September 2026 maritime drug seizure: 1. The Iranian dhow was intercepted in the Arabian Sea west of Lakshadweep. 2. The Indian Coast Guard worked with the Anti-Terrorism Squad of Gujarat. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
The dhow was intercepted west of Lakshadweep, and the ICG acted in coordination with Gujarat ATS.