Indian Coast Guard Intercepts Fishing Boat Off Pamban, Seizes Rs 9-Crore-Worth Hashish Oil

Chennai:

Port Wings News Network:

Acting on a reliable input, ICGS Mandapam and Central Intelligence Unit Headquarters, Tiruchirappalli acted with alacrity and conducted a successful anti-smuggling operation during midnight hours on 19 December 2025. An Indian fishing boat carrying 9.49 Kgs of Hashish off Pamban in Gulf off Mannar was intercepted and apprehended.

Based on intelligence input regarding suspicious activity in Gulf of Mannar Islands, heightened surveillance was maintained during midnight hours on 18 -19 December. At about 0230 hrs, the Joint team sighted a suspicious boat off Pamban which was intercepted and thorough search was carried out. A total of 9.490 Kgs of Hashish Oil was seized from the Indian Fishing Boat off Pamban. The team further sanitised the area for any suspicious boats/ vessels nearby. The seized contraband alongwith IFB has been handed over to CIU, Tiruchirapalli for further legal action. The approx value of the Hashish Oil is estimated to be around Rs 9 Crores.

This successful operation underscores the Indian Coast Guard’s proactive stance and effectiveness as the lead agency for Maritime Law enforcement and highlights its synergy with Central Intelligence Unit, Customs and other stakeholders. The Indian Coast Guard remains on high alert, demonstrating unwavering alacrity and vigilance in its commitment to securing India’s maritime borders and preventing illegal activities.