A special court in Mumbai has sentenced eight Pakistani men to 20 years in prison for their involvement in smuggling 232 kg of heroin on a fishing boat off the Gujarat coast in 2015.

The individuals were arrested after Coast Guard officials detected their unflagged vessel on April 26, 2015, during a routine patrol.

The convicted individuals, identified as Alibaksha Khashkeli Sindhi, Maksud Akhtar Yusuf Masim, and others, claimed to be fishermen facing engine troubles during their trip.

However, upon inspection, authorities found no fish onboard but instead discovered 11 drums containing heroin valued at approximately Rs 600 crore.

The court’s decision, delivered by Special Judge S E Bangar, was influenced by the fact that the men had failed to adequately explain their possession of the drugs and illegal satellite phones, which civilians in both India and Pakistan are prohibited from using.

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Despite the defense’s argument that the Mumbai police lacked jurisdiction since the seizure occurred in international waters, the court upheld the legality of the proceedings, citing adherence to international conventions.

With nearly a decade served already, the men will spend an additional ten years in prison.