In a daring high-tech operation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has dismantled a major international oil smuggling ring operating in the Arabian Sea. The action unfolded on February 5-6, 2026, approximately 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai, showcasing India’s robust maritime surveillance capabilities.
ICG’s integrated network of sea and air surveillance pinpointed three suspicious vessels engaged in illicit activities. These ships were swiftly intercepted and seized, dealing a severe blow to the syndicate that sourced cheap oil and petroleum products from conflict-ridden nations.
The smuggling network operated with precision, transferring massive oil cargoes mid-sea to motor tankers using international waters to evade detection. Handlers from multiple countries coordinated the transfers, frequently altering vessel identities to dodge coastal enforcement agencies. Ship owners, based abroad, reaped enormous profits while depriving India and its states of crucial duty revenues.
The operation kicked off when ICG’s advanced technology detected anomalous movements by a motor tanker within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone. Digital forensics linked it to two other vessels involved in the illegal transfers, prompting immediate action.
On February 5, ICG ships closed in on the trio. Elite boarding teams conducted thorough searches, scrutinizing documents, electronic data, and interrogating crew members. Concrete evidence, including digital records, confirmed the smuggling, leading to the seizure of all three vessels. They are now en route to Mumbai for further investigation by customs and law enforcement.
This success underscores ICG’s enhanced maritime presence and cutting-edge digital monitoring. It reinforces India’s role as a stalwart guardian of sea lanes, upholding international norms and curbing illicit trade that undermines the economy. Such operations ensure maritime peace and protect national interests.