India, April 27 -- The Customs Department has busted an illegal diesel trade operating off the Harnai coast in Ratnagiri, seizing a fishing vessel and arresting two persons linked to the operation.

Acting on specific intelligence about the unauthorised sale of smuggled diesel to fishing boats, a team led by superintendent Atul V. Potdar launched a late-night operation earlier this week. The team sailed nearly 11 nautical miles into the Arabian Sea and intercepted a fishing vessel, Ratna Mauli, allegedly engaged in supplying diesel at sea.

Officials said that another boat, suspected to be purchasing the contraband, was also identified during the operation. The interception took place shortly after midnight on Tuesday and Ratna Mauli was ...