A joint operation by the Gujarat ATS and the Indian Coast Guard has led to the seizure of cocaine worth approximately ₹1,000 crore from a vessel heading towards Mundra Port in Gujarat.
The consignment was intended to be delivered to two individuals based in Dwarka, Delhi. Investigating agencies have so far detained three persons and have initiated detailed questioning.
Meanwhile, search operations are underway after reports that one individual jumped into the sea during the raid.
Drugs seized from vessel approaching Mundra near Kutch
Gujarat ATS and the Indian Coast Guard seized 118.98 kg of cocaine, valued at around ₹1,150 crore, from a Cyprus-flagged cargo vessel, ‘Europe,’ near Mundra port.
Acting on intelligence, authorities intercepted the vessel at outer anchorage on 26 May. Upon noticing the patrol boat, crew members threw heavy bags into the sea. Divers recovered five floating bags containing 115 packets of cocaine, alongside four Apple AirTags used for tracking. Two satellite communication devices were later found hidden in the steering room.
Investigation revealed the contraband originated from Brazil, traveling through Mexico, the US, and Karachi. A Tanzanian crew member, Juma Nasir Omar, was arrested. Omar confessed to concealing the narcotics in the motor room in November 2025 without the crew’s knowledge, acting on orders from an international handler.
Accused Juma Nasir Omar
ATS detains three, one jumps into sea and search underway
During the search, a second Tanzanian suspect, Ngingite Nassoro Jumanne, jumped overboard to evade capture; a search operation is underway.
The shipment was destined for a fishing boat delivery to Delhi-based receivers. Following coordinated raids, authorities detained the intended recipients in Delhi: Kelvin Chukwuma, a Nigerian national, and Byaruhanga James, a Ugandan national. Both are being transferred to Gujarat. A criminal case has been registered, and further investigation into the international syndicate is ongoing.
Names of the arrested accused
- Juma Nasir Omar (apprehended from the boat)
- Calvin Chukwama (arrested from Delhi)
- Byaruhanga James (arrested from Delhi)
Suspected part of drugs thrown into sea
The ATS had initially received input that around 150 kg of drugs were on board; however, only 118 kg were recovered during the operation. Officials suspect that a portion of the consignment may have been thrown into the sea, following which joint search operations by the ATS and Coast Guard are underway in the area.
Cocaine loaded in Brazil and routed through four countries to Mundra
Investigation has revealed that the cocaine was loaded onto the cargo ship named ‘Europe’ in Brazil. The vessel then travelled through Latin America, Mexico, the USA and Karachi before reaching Mundra Port.
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