From: Sagar Sandesh | Maritime Tabloid English Weekly Newspaper
In a major swoop down on contraband goods being shipped into Jamnagar (Gujarat), Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has intercepted and seized huge haul of illicit Cigarettes on board of MSV Safina Al Meraj from Sharjah recently. On 18 Jun 15, an intelligence input was received through ICG Station at Okha about movement of a suspicious dhow MSV Safina Al Meraj (BDI-1331). The dhow was reported to have left Sharjah and was to arrive Salaya, Jamnagar on 19/20 Jun with suspected contraband on board.
On receipt of information, ICG units in the Gulf of Kachch Region were alerted and continued sea presence, despite adverse weather conditions, was maintained. On the night of 18, 19 & 20 June, a number of dhows entering Gulf of Kutch were boarded and investigated. Considering the sensitivity, the co-ordination for the operation was centralized at the Coast Guard Regional Headquarters (North-West), Gandhinagar. VTS Gulf of Kutch and other stakeholders were informed and actions were duly coordinated.
