Indian Coast Guard of Andaman and Nicobar Command Apprehends Mayanmarese Boat with 5500 Kg Drugs

Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov. 25: On 25 Nov 24, Indian Coast Guard (ICG) of Andaman and Nicobar Command created history in the maritime domain in India by apprehending a Myanmarese Fishing boat named “Soe Wai Yan Htoo” in Andaman seas which was carrying approx. 5500 kgs of prohibited drug Methamphetamine along with one portable Inmarsat Satellite phone. The anticipated value of drug haul is expected to be thousands of crores, in international market.

Based on the pattern of operations in the past likely areas of Andaman Sea were kept under surveillance. As part of heightened surveillance measures, Headquarters Andaman and Nicobar Command maintained regular maritime aircraft missions. On 23 Nov 24, the Indian Coast Guard Dornier aircraft whilst on reconnaissance sortie detected a boat which was operating in suspicious manner. The information was passed on to the Joint Operation Centre (JOC)/ HQANC, which subsequently deployed Fast Patrol Vessel, ICG Ship Aruna Asaf Ali captained by Commandant (JG) Ankit Sharma from Sri Vijaya Puram to intercept the suspicious Myanmarese boat. The ICG ship despite prevailing rough sea conditions proceeded with best speed to intercept the suspicious Myanmarese boat. The ICG Ship intercepted the Myanmarese boat and shadowed till early morning of 24 Nov 24. The ship crew boarded the suspicious Myanmarese boat for investigation at 0630 hrs on 24 Nov 24 when the boat was 08 nm off Barren Island in Indian Territorial waters. The six-boat crew onboard were identified as Myanmarese nationals. During inspection of the boat, the ICG ship crew detected approx. 5500 kgs of white crystalline compound onboard along with one portable Inmarsat Satellite phone. The white crystalline compound was anticipated to be contraband and hence boat was apprehended.

Subsequently boat was brought to Sri Vijaya Puram by 0500hrs on 25 Nov 24 for further investigation.

The initial inspection by local police and drug enforcement agencies at Sri Vijaya Puram identified the white compound as pure Methamphetamine worth approx. thousands of crores in international market, the apprehension is one of the biggest drug overhauls in Indian maritime history. This operation highlights unwavering commitment to safeguarding our territorial integrity and preventing the trafficking of illegal substances. The dedication and swift action of our teams involved in ensuring that such illicit activities do not

compromise national security. The Andaman and Nicobar Command remains vigilant and committed to ensuring the safety of the Andaman’s waters. Enhanced patrolling and intelligence-sharing continue to play a vital role in combating such crimes. The Apprehension of the Myanmarese boat with contraband through coordinated efforts of all components exemplifies the commitment of HQ ANC and reiterates the motto of HQ ANC “Sanghe Shakti” (“Together We are Stronger”).