Indian Coast Guard Seizes 526 kg Narcotics in Arabian Sea

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) seized about 526 kg of narcotics in the Arabian Sea west of Lakshadweep on 25 September 2026. The operation was conducted with the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and led to the interception of an Iranian dhow carrying high-grade heroin and methamphetamine. Five Pakistani nationals on board were apprehended, and the vessel was escorted to Mumbai for joint interrogation and legal action.

Indian Coast Guard

The Indian Coast Guard is India’s maritime law enforcement and search-and-rescue force under the Ministry of Defence. It was established in 1977 and formally came into being under the Coast Guard Act, 1978. Its duties include maritime security, anti-smuggling operations, fisheries protection, pollution response, and assistance during disasters at sea.

Maritime Drug Trafficking

Maritime drug trafficking uses sea routes, fishing vessels, dhows, and cargo ships to move narcotics across international waters. Dhows are traditional sailing vessels widely used in the Arabian Sea and the western Indian Ocean. Heroin is an opioid drug derived from morphine, while methamphetamine is a synthetic stimulant classified as a psychotropic substance.

Arabian Sea and Lakshadweep Waters

The Arabian Sea is a marginal sea of the northern Indian Ocean, bounded by India, Pakistan, Oman, Yemen, and the Horn of Africa. Lakshadweep is India’s smallest Union Territory by area and consists of a group of coral islands in the Arabian Sea. The waters west of Lakshadweep form an important maritime zone for surveillance and interdiction operations.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Indian Coast Guard was created in 1977 and functions under the Coast Guard Act, 1978.
• Heroin is an opioid, and methamphetamine is a synthetic stimulant.
• The Arabian Sea is part of the northern Indian Ocean and borders India’s western coast.
• Lakshadweep is a Union Territory made up of coral islands in the Arabian Sea.

The confirmed seizure quantity was 526 kg, and the estimated value exceeded ₹3,000 crore in the international market. The intercepted vessel was an Iranian dhow, and the crew included five Pakistani nationals.