Porbandar, Feb. 22 -- In a major maritime enforcement operation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) intercepted a suspicious foreign vessel within the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The vessel, carrying an Iranian crew, was found to be transporting a large consignment of smuggled foreign-brand cigarettes.

Providing details of the mid-sea interception in a post on X, the Indian Coast Guard stated, ''On 21 Feb 26, @IndiaCoastGuard ship intercepted a suspicious foreign boat inside the #Indian #EEZ, approximately 115 NM west of #Dwarka.''

https://x.com/IndiaCoastGuard/status/2025451256094011749?s=20

Upon boarding and searching the vessel, officials identified the boat and its occupants. ''The vessel, identified as Al Mukhtar, was manned b...