Tamil Nadu Coast, Nov 25: In the past two years Anti-National Elements involved in narcotics smuggling are trying to infiltrate narcotic drug (Heroin) through Indian coast. ICG received credible information from intelligence agencies regarding an illegal consignment of narcotic drugs (Heroin) going to be smuggled in India through sea route. The information further revealed that the consignment is being transhipped through a Sri Lankan boat. Indian Coast Guard deployed five ships for the operation to apprehend the smugglers and seized the contraband.
ICG ships carried out extensive search for the suspected boat in the most probable area as per the intelligence input. Two ICG aircraft were also continuously deployed to augment sea-air coordinated search. Post extensive well planned search in the area, extending since 17 Nov 2020, suspicious Sri Lankan boat was identified south of Thoothukudi on 24 Nov 20. ICGS Vaibhav stealthily followed the boat, and carried out boarding at the opportune moment at about 10 NM off Kanyakumari in the evening of 24 Nov 20. Search of the suspicious boat revealed 99 packets of heroin, 20 boxes of synthetic drugs, five 9 mm pistols and a thuraya satellite phone set. The drugs and weapons were unearthed since hidden in an unapproachable location in the boat. During initial questioning, the crew members revealed that the drugs were transferred onto Sri Lankan vessel ‘Shenaya Duwa’ on the high seas by a Pakistani dhow from Karachi. The drugs meant to be sent to western countries and Australia. The joint interrogation of the apprehended 06 crew members will be undertaken on vessel reaching Tuticorin. Indian Coast Guard is committed to thwart any attempt to smuggle contraband, drug and weapon into our country.
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