After discovering the ICG ship, the smuggler abandoned the contraband and fled Imbl. The cargo was recovered at sea and handed over to ATS for further investigation.
On April 10, the ICG caught an Indian fishing boat, allegedly conducting illegal activities in the Bay of Bengal.
After inspection, officials found that the ship was transporting about 450 bags of betel nut, each weighing 50 to 60 kilograms. The statement added that the estimated market value of the consignment was nearly Rs 1 crore.
The fishing boat is registered in Kakdwip Fishing Port in West Bengal. However, during the inspection, it was found that it was running without a valid registered file. In addition, none of the 14 Indian crew members on board had a biometric identification card, which is a mandatory requirement for authorized fishing operations.
Although the crew claimed to have been at sea for five days, no fishing equipment was found on the boat, nor fishing was found. The lack of standard fish and high-value contraband presents illegal maritime activities. The Indian Coast Guard detains crew and ships and escorts them to the port of Paradip for a joint investigation to be conducted with relevant law enforcement and maritime authorities.
