Indian Coast Guard Busts Diesel Smuggling Operation off Maharashtra Coast

GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 17th April. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has intercepted an Indian fishing boat suspected of being involved in diesel smuggling, 83 nautical miles northwest of Mumbai. Acting on intelligence provided by Customs officials, the ICG Regional Headquarters (West) launched a challenging operation amidst night conditions, covering a vast area of 200 square miles including offshore development zones off the Maharashtra coast.

In a meticulously coordinated effort involving two ICG Fast Patrol Vessels and one Interceptor Boat, the suspected vessel was located and boarded during the night of April 15, 2024. Initial investigations revealed that the boat, manned by a crew of five, departed Mandwa port on April 14, 2024, allegedly intending to rendezvous with Indian Offshore Supply Vessels (OSVs) for the purpose of diesel smuggling.

Further examination uncovered that the vessel had been modified to accommodate fuel storage of up to 20,000 litres in concealed compartments. Moreover, it was operating under false or multiple identities, raising suspicion. Discrepancies in vessel registration were detected upon cross-referencing with available data.

The operation also uncovered a significant amount of unauthorised cash amounting to Rs 11.46 lakh, intended to be exchanged with Indian OSVs in exchange for smuggled diesel.

Following the interception, the vessel was escorted to Mumbai anchorage in the early hours of April 17, 2024. A joint investigation, involving the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Customs, and State Police, is underway to unravel the network behind the smuggling operation and to determine further legal actions.