Gujarat Coast Stunned By Huge Mundra Cocaine Seizure

In a joint intelligence-based maritime anti-smuggling operation carried out during the dark hours of 25 and 26 May 2026, the Indian Coast Guard, along with the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) Gujarat, recovered 115 kg of cocaine from the Mundra anchorage. The operation once again showed how drug traffickers are using sea routes to move narcotics into India. Over the last few years, security agencies have warned that the Arabian Sea has become an important path for international drug gangs moving drugs from regions close to Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran towards South Asia and beyond. Officials from several anti-narcotics agencies have earlier said that traffickers often use cargo vessels, fishing boats and small support crafts to avoid detection at sea.

Based on actionable intelligence from ATS Gujarat, Indian Coast Guard interceptor boats with ATS personnel on board searched the vast Mundra anchorage area through the night. Maritime experts have often described the waters near busy ports such as Mundra as difficult to monitor because hundreds of commercial vessels operate in the area. Large container ships may stay anchored for many hours before entering port, making it possible for criminal groups to attempt secret exchanges at sea. Security agencies around the world have previously reported cases where narcotics were packed in waterproof bags and thrown overboard for later collection by smaller boats.

During the search operation, a few bags were seen being thrown overboard from a container ship, MV Europe, anchored around five nautical miles from Mundra. The Indian Coast Guard and ATS team quickly reached the spot and recovered five bags despite extremely dark conditions. Former Coast Guard officers have often pointed out that night-time maritime operations are among the most risky tasks because visibility is low and sea conditions can change quickly. The successful recovery of the bags during pitch-dark hours showed the speed and coordination of the joint team.

When the bags were opened, packets containing a white powdery substance were found hidden inside. The substance was tested and confirmed to be cocaine. According to international drug monitoring agencies, cocaine remains one of the world’s most profitable illegal narcotics. Experts say drug cartels often hide cocaine inside cargo shipments because container traffic is huge and difficult to inspect completely. Indian agencies have in recent years increased surveillance at major ports after several large drug seizures along the western coast.

A total of 115 packets weighing around one kilogram each were seized, taking the overall recovery to nearly 115 kg. The estimated market value of the seized cocaine is around Rs 1,150 crore according to open-source estimates. Drug experts say the street value of cocaine rises sharply as it passes through different countries and illegal networks. Such a large quantity suggests the consignment may have been linked to an international trafficking syndicate. In earlier cases investigated by Indian agencies, narcotics smuggled through maritime routes were believed to be intended for both domestic distribution and foreign markets.

The vessel has now been brought to port, and a joint investigation involving the Indian Coast Guard, ATS Gujarat and other agencies is underway. Investigators are expected to examine the ship’s cargo records, crew details, satellite communication logs and movement history. In many international smuggling cases, officials have found that only a small number of crew members may be aware of illegal consignments hidden on board. Authorities may also work with foreign agencies if international links are discovered during the probe.

The operation adds to a growing list of major anti-narcotics actions carried out along India’s western coastline. Gujarat’s long coastline and its busy ports have made the state an important focus area for maritime security agencies. Over the past few years, several seizures involving heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine have been reported from the Arabian Sea region. Security experts have repeatedly stressed that close coordination between intelligence agencies, marine police, customs officials and the Coast Guard is necessary to stop organised drug smuggling networks.

Officials stated that this operation marks the fifteenth successful anti-narcotics mission jointly carried out by the Indian Coast Guard and ATS Gujarat in the last five years. Security analysts believe such coordinated operations send a strong message to organised crime groups attempting to use Indian waters for smuggling. The repeated success of these missions also reflects stronger coastal surveillance systems, better intelligence sharing and improved maritime patrol capabilities.

The operation also supports the Government of India’s wider “Nasha Mukt Bharat” mission aimed at reducing drug abuse and breaking narcotics supply chains. Anti-drug campaigners often say that stopping large consignments before they reach the streets is one of the strongest ways to protect young people from addiction. Authorities believe that continued vigilance at sea will remain critical as international drug trafficking methods become more advanced and better organised.