In one of the biggest anti-narcotics operations in recent months, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and the Indian Coast Guard jointly seized nearly 115 kilograms of cocaine worth around ₹1,150 crore during a maritime operation off the Kutch coast, officials said on Wednesday.

The seizure was made during a coordinated search and interception mission conducted along the Arabian Sea route near the Gujarat coastline. Authorities confirmed that one accused has been arrested while investigations are underway to identify other members connected to the international drug smuggling network.

According to preliminary investigations, the cocaine consignment originated from South American countries and was allegedly being routed into India through Pakistan using sea channels. Officials suspect the syndicate used maritime trafficking routes in the Arabian Sea to smuggle narcotics into Indian territory.

The Gujarat ATS stated that intelligence inputs regarding suspicious maritime movement led to the operation in coordination with the Indian Coast Guard. During the search operation, security agencies intercepted the consignment and recovered packets suspected to contain high-grade cocaine. Subsequent testing reportedly confirmed the substance as cocaine.

The estimated international market value of the seized narcotics is approximately ₹1,150 crore, making it one of the largest cocaine seizures linked to maritime trafficking routes in western India.

Officials said the arrested accused is currently being interrogated by ATS and central agencies to uncover the broader network behind the operation. Investigators are probing links between drug cartels operating in South America, handlers based in Pakistan and local operatives involved in transportation and distribution inside India.

Search operations and intelligence-based raids are also underway to trace additional suspects connected to the smuggling chain.

The latest seizure has once again highlighted growing concerns over the use of the Gujarat coastline and Arabian Sea routes for narcotics trafficking. In recent years, multiple large consignments of heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine have been intercepted off the Gujarat coast, particularly near Kutch and Porbandar regions.

Security agencies have repeatedly warned that international drug syndicates are increasingly using maritime corridors linked to Pakistan-based handlers for smuggling narcotics into India. Several earlier investigations by agencies including the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and ATS units had pointed toward coordinated cross-border trafficking networks operating through fishing vessels and cargo routes.

The Indian Coast Guard has significantly intensified surveillance operations in the Arabian Sea amid rising concerns over narcotics smuggling, arms trafficking and maritime infiltration attempts.

Officials said forensic examination of the seized packets and digital evidence recovered during the operation are expected to provide further leads regarding the origin, intended delivery points and financial network behind the consignment.

The ATS has registered a case under relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Further investigation is in progress.

₹1150 Crore Cocaine | Business Upturn

115 kg cocaine seized off Kutch coast: Was south America-Pakistan route being used to target India?