major-drug-bust-in-porbandar-nets-700-kg-of-methamphetamine

In a significant blow to international drug trafficking, Indian authorities have successfully seized nearly 700 kg of methamphetamine from a drug cartel operating in Gujarat. This seizure marks a major milestone in India's ongoing battle against the illegal drug trade.

 

The operation, a collaborative effort between the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), the Indian Navy, and the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) Gujarat Police, was launched after detailed intelligence gathering. The operation took place in Indian territorial waters, where a vessel carrying a large consignment of methamphetamine was intercepted.

 

The vessel was found to be carrying approximately 700 kg of the illegal substance. Eight foreign nationals, who were found aboard the vessel without any identification documents, later claimed to be Iranians.

 

The joint effort highlights the effective coordination between various Indian agencies committed to combating drug trafficking. Operation "SAGAR-MANTHAN-4," as it was named, was initiated based on credible intelligence that an unregistered vessel carrying narcotics was heading into Indian waters.

 

The intelligence led to swift action, with the Indian Navy deploying its maritime patrol assets to intercept and seize the drugs. The operation was conducted on November 15, resulting in both the drug seizure and the apprehension of the suspects.

 

This is not the first successful operation under the "SAGAR-MANTHAN" initiative. Earlier this year, the NCB, alongside the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and ATS Gujarat Police, launched the operation to counter the threat of maritime trafficking of illicit drugs.

 

The operation has been a resounding success, with over 3,400 kg of narcotics and psychotropic substances seized in previous operations. Additionally, 11 Iranian nationals and 14 Pakistani nationals have been arrested in three separate cases, all of whom are currently in jail awaiting trial.

 

The ongoing investigation into this latest operation is focused on tracing the connections of the drug syndicate both upstream and downstream. Authorities are working with foreign Drug Law Enforcement Agencies (DLEAs) to uncover the global network involved in the trafficking operation.