‘₹1,500-crore contraband seized in 2020’

MUMBAI: During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) claims to have seized contraband worth ₹1,500 crore that was being smuggled into the country through the coastline. ICG was able to intercept more than 10 foreign fishing boats with 80 miscreants illegally operating in the Indian exclusive economic zone (EEZ). After nabbing the suspects, they were handed over to the local police station for further legal action, said an ICG officer.

“During the pandemic, we maintained a round-the-clock vigil in the exclusive economic zone by deploying around 50 ships and 12 aircraft daily. We managed to seize contraband worth around ₹1,500 crore and apprehend more than 10 foreign fishing boats with 80 miscreants illegally operating in the Indian EEZ in 2020,” said an ICG spokesperson.

In 2020, 11 cyclones hit the Indian coastline and ICG conducted rescue operations and saved the lives of around 40,000 fishermen by escorting them back to shore. During the pandemic, patrolling was round the clock and fishing boat checks were conducted, said the officer.

The ICG will be celebrating its 45th Raising Day on February 1. In the past 44 years, the ICG has grown into a formidable force, with 156 ships and 62 aircraft, and is likely to achieve targeted force levels of 200 surface platforms and 80 aircraft by 2025. ICG is the fourth largest coast guard in the world and plays a very important role in securing coasts and enforcing regulations within India’s maritime zones.

In the last 44 years, ICG has saved over 10,000 lives and apprehended around 14,000 miscreants since its inception in 1977. On average, the Coast Guard saves a life every two days at sea, mentioned a press note released ahead of Raising Day.