Ahmedabad/Porbandar, Feb 17 (NationPress) The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) alongside the Indian Coast Guard successfully confiscated 203 kilograms of a suspected narcotic substance from an Iranian speedboat that was intercepted approximately 140 nautical miles off the Porbandar coast. This operation took place following a meticulous eight to ten-hour joint effort at sea.

The ATS reported that SP K. K. Patel received targeted intelligence indicating that an Iranian drug trafficker, known as Haji Fida, had dispatched around 200 kilograms of a suspicious chemical from Konarak Port in Iran between the dates of February 15 and 16.

The shipment was anticipated to reach the vicinity of the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) off Porbandar, where it was meant to be transferred mid-sea to an Indian vessel for further transportation to Punjab.

Upon receiving this information, the ATS collaborated with the Indian Coast Guard to establish a joint team, initiating a comprehensive operation in the Arabian Sea.

The suspicious speedboat was detected and intercepted around 8 PM on Monday within Indian territorial waters near the IMBL.

Onboard were two Iranian nationals, Abdul Majid and Abdul Sattar, both hailing from Chabahar in Iran's Konarak region. Authorities recovered 203 packets containing approximately 203 kilograms of a white, suspected narcotic substance.

DIG Sunil Joshi stated that the operation was executed based on highly accurate intelligence. "We had received specific details regarding the movement of the shipment from Iran towards Indian waters. Consequently, a joint team of the Gujarat ATS and the Indian Coast Guard was formed, leading to the interception of the boat about 140 nautical miles off Porbandar," he explained.

He added, "A total of 203 packets weighing around 203 kilograms were retrieved from the boat. The substance appears to be a white narcotic material, which has been forwarded to the Forensic Science Laboratory for thorough analysis."

Joshi mentioned that smaller vessels are frequently utilized for such operations due to their speed and maneuverability. "Small boats can travel faster and are more likely to evade surveillance. However, our teams had been closely monitoring their movements," he added.

Mobile phones, various chemicals, and food items were also confiscated from the vessel.

"We are analyzing the data from the recovered phones, and the investigation is currently ongoing. Initial information indicates that the consignment was aimed for delivery for further transportation to Punjab," Joshi remarked.

The apprehended individuals and the confiscated vessel have been taken to the Porbandar Coast Guard station, and subsequent legal proceedings have been initiated.