Coast Guard Thwarts Gun-Running Attempt off Sundarbans, 4 Arrested

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) arrested four individuals and seized a cache of illegal arms and ammunition near the Indo-Bangladesh International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) in the Sundarbans on Thursday, July 23, 2026. The operation was based on specific intelligence and carried out in coordination with the Sunderbans Forest Department and intelligence agencies.

The intercepted fishing boat had departed from Jherkhali Creek in the Sundarbans early Wednesday. Coast Guard teams conducted an intensive search and located the suspicious vessel. After interdiction, a thorough search led to the recovery of illegal weapons apparently intended for smuggling into Bangladesh.

In an official statement, the ICG said: 'A Coast Guard team undertook an intensive search of the area and finally intercepted a suspicious fishing vessel. Post interdiction, comprehensive rummaging resulted in the recovery of a cache of illegal arms and ammunition that were apparently destined for Bangladesh. The timely apprehension of the boat thwarted a trans-border gun-running attempt by the smugglers.'

The apprehended boat, its four crew members, and the recovered arms and ammunition were handed over to the West Bengal Marine Police station in Sunderbans for further investigation and legal proceedings. The identity of the accused and the exact nature of the weapons have not been disclosed pending investigation.

This operation highlights ongoing efforts to curb illegal trafficking along the porous maritime border between India and Bangladesh. The Sundarbans, a vast mangrove delta, has been used by smugglers for illicit activities, including arms and drug trafficking. Authorities have intensified patrols and intelligence-sharing to disrupt such networks.