In a significant operation against trans-border maritime crime, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully intercepted and apprehended a fishing boat along with its four Indian crew for their alleged involvement in the illegal trans-border trafficking of arms and ammunition near the Indo-Bangladesh International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) on 22 July 2026.
Acting on specific intelligence shared by Central Intelligence Agency, the Indian Coast Guard launched a meticulously planned search and interdict operation off IMBL. The operation was executed in close coordination with the Sunderbans Forest Department and intelligence agencies.
The suspected boat had departed from Jherkhali creek early morning on 22 Jul 26. Coast Guard team undertook intensive search in the area to identify and intercept the suspicious fishing vessel. Post interdiction, comprehensive rummaging of the fishing boat resulted in the recovery of a cache of illegally concealed arms and ammunition supposedly destined for Bangladesh. The timely apprehension of boat thwarted trans-border gun running attempt by smugglers.
The success of the operation underscores the exceptional synergy and seamless coordination among the Indian Coast Guard, the Central Intelligence Agencies and field units of the Forest Department. The timely exchange of intelligence and coordinated operational response were instrumental in ensuring the successful interception of the fishing boat and seizure of the illicit consignment.
Subsequently, the apprehended fishing boat along with its four crew members and the recovered arms and ammunition were handed over to the West Bengal Marine Police station, Sunderbans for detailed investigation and further legal proceedings.
This successful interdiction reaffirms the Indian Coast Guard’s unwavering commitment towards safeguarding India’s maritime frontiers against trans-border threats, including the arms trafficking and smuggling of contraband. The force remains steadfast in its mission to ensure robust coastal and maritime security through enhanced surveillance, intelligence-driven operations, and close inter-agency collaboration, thereby protecting the nation’s sovereignty and maritime interests.
(Inputs from Wg Cdr Himanshu Tiwari, CPRO, MOD, Eastern Region)
