Home / Crime and Justice / Coast Guard Nabs 4 Iranians with Smuggled Cigs
Coast Guard Nabs 4 Iranians with Smuggled Cigs
22 Feb
Summary
- Four Iranian nationals detained near Gujarat coast.
- Large quantity of foreign cigarettes valued at Rs 2.5 to Rs 5 crore seized.
- Suspicious vessel intercepted inside India's Exclusive Economic Zone.
The Indian Coast Guard apprehended four Iranian nationals on February 21 after intercepting a suspicious foreign vessel approximately 115 nautical miles west of Dwarka. The vessel, identified as Al Mukhtar, attempted to evade capture but was intercepted within India's Exclusive Economic Zone.
During a search, the Coast Guard discovered and seized about one lakh packets of foreign-brand cigarettes, with an estimated international market value ranging from Rs 2.5 crore to Rs 5 crore. A satellite communication set banned in India and several mobile phones were also recovered from the boat, which was reportedly registered in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The apprehended Iranian crew members could not provide valid documentation or a satisfactory explanation for their presence in Indian waters. The vessel is currently being escorted to Porbandar, Gujarat, for further investigation and interrogation by security agencies. This incident marks another successful operation by the Coast Guard in combating maritime smuggling.
