By NewsGram Staff Writer

In a closely coordinated operation undertaken by the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guards, a boat carrying a large quantity of narcotics, suspected to be heroin worth Rs. 600 crores, was apprehended in international waters, off the coast of Gujarat today. The operation also resulted in the apprehension of eight Pakistani nationals manning the boat.

"In a display of seamless coordination, the suspect boat was intercepted by ICGS Sangram in the wee hours of April 20, and thereafter, apprehended later in the morning, whilst Indian Navy's ship Kondul provided support to the entire evolution," a Defence Ministry statement said.

The initial investigations by Sangram have led to recovery of 232 packets of narcotics (suspected to be heroin and worth up to Rs. 600 Crores in the international markets). Additionally, satellite communication phones and Global Positioning Systems, being used to facilitate transhipment of the contraband to another boat were also confiscated.

Nailing the Pakistani smugglers

The operation was launched on 18 Apr 15, based on intelligence inputs, and was conducted in close coordination by Headquarters Western Naval Command and the Coast Guard Regional Headquarters (North West), Ministry of Defence said in a press communiqué.

Multiple units from the Navy and Coast Guard were deployed for the operation, which included Indian Navy's ships Nirghat, Kondul along with ICGS Sangram. The search was augmented by extensive aerial searches undertaken by Naval and Coast Guard aircraft, including Dorniers, IL38 and P8Is, the Defence Ministry said.

The suspect boat then was intercepted by ICGS Sangram and thereafter, apprehended later in the morning. The apprehended boat is being brought to Porbandar for further investigations by law enforcement authorities.