Indian Coast Guard Seizes Fishing Boat with Illegal Betel Nuts Worth ₹1 Crore

Coast Guard's Successful Interception

Paradip: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully intercepted a fishing vessel in the Bay of Bengal that was transporting betel nuts valued at ₹1 crore without the necessary documentation, according to an official statement.

On April 10, the ICG detected the Indian fishing boat engaged in unlawful activities while patrolling the International Maritime Boundary in the Bay of Bengal.

During a routine patrol, the ICG ship Varad located the vessel, which was carrying approximately 450 bags of betel nuts, with an estimated market value of ₹1 crore.

The fishing boat, named 'IFB Maa Basanti' and registered at Kakdwip fishing harbor, was found to be operating without valid registration documents.

All 14 crew members, who are Indian nationals, lacked valid biometric identification cards.

Despite being at sea for five days, no fishing gear or fish catch was discovered on board. The crew and the fishing boat were subsequently detained and escorted to Paradip port for a thorough investigation and legal action by the relevant authorities.