Ahmedabad, Sept. 30 -- In a major joint operation, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) intercepted an Iranian boat in the deep sea and seized 526 kilograms of contraband, exposing an international smuggling route linked to notorious drug kingpin Haji Salim, officials said on Wednesday.

The intercepted vessel, named 'Azad', was carrying around 400 kg of methamphetamine and 126 kg of heroin. Five individuals aboard the boat-identified as Mohammad Yaqub Balochi, Shakirullah, Faridullah, Ahmed Khan, and Wahidullah Khan-have been taken into custody following preliminary interrogation.

Detailing the operation, Superintendent of Police, Gujarat ATS, K Siddharth said, "On September 10, our Police Inspector, J...