The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has recently apprehended a fishing boat suspected of smuggling diesel fuel off the coast of Mumbai. The boat was carrying 20,000 litres of diesel fuel and was trying to smuggle it into Mumbai.
The ICG said that the boat had left its port of Mandwa on April 14 and was heading to rendezvous with suspected Indian Offshore Supply Vessels (OSVs) for diesel smuggling operations. It was suspected to be carrying false or multiple identities and had modified holds capable of storing up to 20,000 litres of fuel.
The boat was located and boarded by the ICG on the night of April 15. A search of the boat revealed Rs 11.46 lakh in cash believed to be payment intended for the Indian OSVs. The ICG said that the cash amount was to be distributed to the crew of the boat.
The ICG is currently investigating the matter and it is also looking into the connection of the boat with the authorities. It is believed that the boat was carrying unauthorized cash and involved in diesel smuggling activities. The boat was escorted to Mumbai anchorage in the early hours of April 17.
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The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Customs, and State Police are also cooperating in the investigation. It is believed that the boat was carrying false or multiple identities and had modified holds capable of storing up to 20,000 litres of fuel.
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