In one of Gujarat’s largest maritime anti-narcotics operations in recent years, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), in coordination with the Indian Coast Guard, seized approximately 115 kg of cocaine valued at nearly ₹1,150 crore from a cargo vessel anchored off Mundra port and detained three foreign nationals allegedly linked to an international drug trafficking syndicate.
Officials said the operation was launched following intelligence inputs indicating that a large cocaine consignment originating in Brazil was being moved through an international maritime route before reaching Indian waters.
According to Director General of Police KLN Rao, the cargo vessel Europe was intercepted during the early hours of May 26 near the outer anchorage off Mundra in Kutch district after ATS teams moved in coordination with the Coast Guard.
During searches onboard, security agencies recovered five bags floating in the sea after crew members allegedly attempted to dispose of the consignment upon spotting enforcement teams. One additional bag could not be recovered. Preliminary examination confirmed the seized substance to be cocaine.
Investigators recovered nearly 115 packets weighing around 115 kg in total. Authorities estimate the value of the seized narcotics at about ₹1,150 crore in the international market.
Officials said the seizure also yielded electronic tracking and communication equipment, including GPS devices, satellite communication tools and Apple AirTags concealed with the consignment, indicating the shipment may have been remotely monitored during transit.
According to investigators, the narcotics had travelled across multiple international transit points, including Latin America, Mexico, the United States and Karachi, before reaching the Gujarat coast.
A Tanzanian national identified as Juma Nasir Omar was detained from the vessel, while two alleged receivers — identified as Nigerian national Kelvin Chukwuama and Ugandan national Bairunge James — were traced and apprehended from Delhi’s Dwarka area with assistance from Delhi Police.
Authorities said another Tanzanian national allegedly involved in concealing and transporting the cargo escaped by jumping into the sea during the operation. Search efforts involving Coast Guard teams remain underway.
Preliminary interrogation suggested that the cocaine had been loaded in Brazil in November 2025 and hidden inside the vessel’s motor room without the knowledge of other crew members. Investigators believe the consignment was intended to be transferred at sea before reaching its next handlers.
Officials said further investigation will determine the intended final destination of the narcotics and whether the shipment was meant for domestic circulation or onward international movement.
The seized narcotics and electronic equipment have been taken into custody, and a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act has been registered.
The operation involved personnel from Gujarat ATS, Indian Coast Guard, Special Operations Group (SOG), Coastal Police, Marine Police and Mundra Port authorities.
Officials described the seizure as a major breakthrough against organised maritime narcotics trafficking and noted that this was the 15th joint anti-drug operation carried out by the Coast Guard and Gujarat ATS over the last five years.
Published – May 28, 2026 10:53 am IST
