Agencies Seize 526 kg of Drugs from Boat Brought to Coast Near Palghar Border

Indian security agencies have intercepted a boat named Azad in the Arabian Sea and seized approximately 526 kilograms of heroin and methamphetamine in connection with an alleged maritime drug-trafficking operation. Five Pakistani nationals who were reportedly on board the vessel were detained during the mid-sea operation.

The joint operation was executed by the Indian Coast Guard alongside the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad in Indian waters located west of Lakshadweep. The seized narcotics are estimated to hold an international market value of more than ₹3,000 crore.

Following the maritime interception, the Gujarat Marine Police escorted the vessel to the Nargol coast in Umbergaon taluka, located in Gujarat’s Valsad district close to the border of Palghar district in Maharashtra.

News of the intercepted vessel arriving ashore attracted crowds of local residents to the Nargol coastline. The presence of the boat and the scale of the seizure have generated considerable interest across the coastal stretches of both Valsad and neighbouring Palghar.

Investigating agencies are currently probing the origin of the seized narcotics consignment, its intended destination, and the wider network suspected of coordinating its maritime transit. Officials indicated that further details will emerge as the inquiry proceeds.