Kolkata: Indian Coast Guard (ICG) foiled a high-sea smuggling attempt of betel nuts worth nearly Rs 1 crore on Thursday and apprehended the sailors.
ICG ship Varad, while patrolling the International Maritime Boundary in Bay of Bengal, spotted suspicious movements of an Indian fishing boat, IFB Maa Basanti, and intercepted the vessel. The boat is registered at Kakdwip.
Upon inspection, officials discovered approximately 450 bags of betel nuts, each weighing between 50-60 kg, with an estimated market value of Rs 90 lakh to Rs 1 crore. The boat was operating without valid documents and all 14 Indian crew members lacked mandatory biometric identification cards.
"No fishing gear or catch was found onboard, despite the boat reportedly being at sea for five days. The crew and vessel were escorted to Paradip port for further joint investigation and legal proceedings," a Coast Guard statement said.