The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has once again demonstrated its effectiveness in combating maritime illegal activities by intercepting a fishing vessel named ‘Jay Malhar’ engaged in illegal diesel smuggling off the Maharashtra coast on May 16, 2024.
During the operation, the ICG apprehended the five-man crew on board the vessel and seized approximately five tonnes of unaccounted diesel, with an estimated value of around Rs 27 lakh. Significantly, the unaccounted diesel was concealed in fish hold along with small quantity of banned narcotic substance.
Following the apprehension, the vessel was escorted to the Mumbai harbour, where it underwent thorough interrogation by the Police, Customs, and Fisheries department officials. Subsequent investigation revealed that the crew had already offloaded and sold 5,000 litres of fuel to fishermen at sea, highlighting the extent of the smuggling operation.
This successful operation adds to the recent string of crackdowns on diesel smuggling at sea by the ICG, with a total of 55,000 litres of unaccounted diesel seized in the last three days alone. Meanwhile, the ICG reiterates its unwavering commitment to combating illegal activities in maritime domain,while emphasizing the importance of prompt and coordinated actions in safeguarding the country’s maritime interests and securing coastal borders.
