Six people aboard the vessel were arrested and handed over to Yellow Gate police in Mumbai for further investigation. A joint investigation is under way to uncover the smuggling network, while Coast Guard reaffirmed its commitment to maritime security. Mumbai: Indian Coast Guard intercepted a vessel suspected of diesel smuggling near Mumbai during a midnight raid, seizing illicit liquor and concealed cash on Thursday.
Yellow Gate police and State CID are investigating an alleged smuggling racket after a vessel carrying illicit liquor and Rs 10 lakh in concealed cash was intercepted under cover of darkness, an ICG official told TOI. DCP (South Zone-3) Vijaykant Sagar said the six are from Maharashtra and have been booked and Yellow Gate police are gathering information on the purpose of keeping the cash. A case under the BNS section cheating by personation and under the Maharashtra Prohibition Act, 1949, for illegal selling, buying, or possessing of any intoxicant (other than opium) or hemp in contravention of the law or a license.
A police officer said the vessel, its six crew members and the confiscated items were escorted to Mumbai Harbour and handed over for further police.
The ICG official said a joint investigation involving multiple law enforcement and maritime stakeholders has been initiated to uncover the broader network behind the suspected smuggling operation.