{
  "id": 11760554,
  "title": "Arabian Sea Drug Bust: Iranian Dhow ‘Azad’ Intercepted With 526 Kg Heroin, Meth Worth Over ₹3,000 Crore; 5 Pakistanis Held",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/arabian-sea-drug-bust-iranian-dhow-azad-intercepted-with-526-kg",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-03T19:22:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/arabian-sea-drug-bust-iranian-dhow-azad-intercepted-with-526-kg-heroin-meth-worth-over-3000-crore-5-pakistanis-held"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the Arabian Sea, off the Gujarat-Palghar coast, Indian authorities intercepted a dhow named Azad in connection with a suspected drug trafficking operation. The joint operation, conducted by the Indian Coast Guard and Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in waters west of Lakshadweep, resulted in the seizure of approximately 526 kg of heroin and methamphetamine. Five Pakistani nationals were also detained aboard the vessel. Following the interception, the Gujarat Marine Police transferred the dhow to the Nargol coast in Umbergaon taluka of Gujarat’s Valsad district, near the Palghar border. The vessel's arrival sparked a gathering of locals at the Nargol coastline, and the subsequent events have piqued interest in the coastal regions of Valsad and Palghar district. Authorities are currently probing the drug consignment's source, intended destination, and the alleged transportation network. As the investigation unfolds, additional details are anticipated.",
  "summary": "Palghar, Maharashtra: A boat named Azad has become the focus of attention along the Gujarat-Palghar coastal belt after Indian agencies intercepted it in the Arabian Sea in connection with an alleged drug-trafficking operation. Joint Operation Near Lakshadweep The operation was carried out by the Indian Coast Guard and Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in Indian waters west of Lakshadweep.…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}