Indian Coast Guard and DRI Joint Operation Rs. 20 Cr worth of gold seized
Mandapam: In a joint operation launchedby Indian Coast Guard with DRI and customs, resulted in seizure of 32.689 Kgs of Gold valued atapprox. Rs 20.2 Crores,from two fishing boats at Gulf of Mannar area in Tamil Nadu. The consignment was being smuggled into India from Srilanka.
Based on a specific input from DRI regarding illegal smuggling of contraband from Srilanka to India, a joint operation was launched by Indian Coast Guard and DRI on 30 May 23. The joint teams deployed by both agencies kept a close surveillance on fishingvessels operating in the Gulf of Mannar, especially near Indo-Srilanka International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).
On the morning of 30 May 23, the joint team from Indian Coast Guard and DRI, detected a suspicious boat approaching Mandapam fishing harbour. When challenged, the boat tried to evade apprehension but was finally apprehendedin north Gulf of Mannar. While being chased, the suspects threw the consignment into water prior interception. The boat along with 03 suspects were apprehended and taken into custody for investigation. Simultaneously, a major diving operation was launchedby Indian Coast Guard to search for the illegal gold dumped at sea.
Meanwhile, a separate team from DRI apprehended a second suspicious boat off Vadalai village south of Mandapam. The boat had about 21. 269 Kgs of smuggled Gold, which was seized by DRI along with two suspects who were taken into custody.
After relentless diving operation off the coast of Mandapam for two days, the ICG diving team in coordination with local divers successfully recovered the gold consignment from the sea bed in the morning of 01 Jun 23. This consignment was found to carry gold bars weighing 11.600kg.
The joint operation by Indian Coast Guard and DRI resulted in total seizure of about 32.869 kg of illegal Gold valued atapprox. Rs.20.20 Crores.The seized contraband and suspects are in custody of DRI for further legal action.
The Indian Coast Guard remains steadfast in its resolve to ensure Indian coast remains Safe and secure at all times.
