Coast Guard Seizes 1 Lakh Cigarette Packs From Boat Off Gujarat Coast, Crew Members Detained

Last Updated:February 22, 2026, 13:05 IST

ICG intercepted Al Mukhtar with four Iranian crew near Dwarka, seizing 200 cartons of foreign cigarettes worth Rs 2.5-5 crore. The boat was escorted to Porbandar for prove.

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on Saturday intercepted a suspicious foreign vessel inside the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) off the Gujarat coast and seized a large consignment of smuggled cigarettes.

In a post on X on Sunday, the Coast Guard said the operation was carried out about 115 nautical miles west of Dwarka in Gujarat. The vessel, identified as Al Mukhtar, was manned by four Iranian crew members at the time of interception, the ICG stated.

“On 21 Feb 26, @IndiaCoastGuard ship intercepted a suspicious foreign boat inside the #Indian #EEZ, approximately 115 NM west of #Dwarka. The vessel, identified as Al Mukhtar, was manned by four #Iranian crew.(sic)," the post read.

According to officials, a search of the boat led to the discovery of 200 cartons containing nearly one lakh packets of foreign-brand cigarettes concealed in the holds. The estimated international market value of the seized consignment is between Rs 2.5 crore and Rs 5 crore.

The boat has been escorted to Porbandar for further investigation, it said. Authorities will conduct a joint interrogation of the crew in coordination with other concerned agencies to ascertain the origin, intended destination, and possible smuggling network linked to the consignment.

“On rummaging, 200 cartons containing about one lakh packets of foreign brand cigarettes were discovered concealed in the holds. The international market value of the consignment is estimated at ₹2.5–5 crore (approx). The boat is being escorted to #Porbandar for further investigation and joint interrogation with stakeholders(sic)," the ICG further wrote.

This comes weeks after the Indian authorities seized three oil tankers suspected of being involved in the movement of sanctioned Iranian oil following a high-seas interception that exposed tracking blackouts and covert fuel transfers within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The interception highlights continued maritime surveillance efforts by the Indian Coast Guard to prevent illegal activities, including smuggling, within the country’s maritime boundaries.

News india Coast Guard Seizes 1 Lakh Cigarette Packs From Boat Off Gujarat Coast, Crew Members Detained

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