The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has seized a consignment of about 5 tonnes of drugs from a fishing boat in the Andaman Sea. Defense officials have given this information. It is claimed that this is likely to be the largest consignment of drugs to be seized so far.
This recovery is part of a larger operation being conducted against drug smuggling and mafia. Earlier in the beginning of the month, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and other security agencies had recovered 700 kg of methamphetamine (meth) from the Gujarat coast. Let us tell you that eight Iranian citizens were arrested in this action. It is clear from these incidents happening in Indian waters that the drug trade through sea route is increasing and the government is continuously taking serious steps to stop it.
To stop this drug smuggling, the Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy and the anti-terrorism squad of Gujarat Police jointly conducted Operation ‘Sagar Manthan-4’. In this operation, on the basis of intelligence, a particular ship was identified which was captured by the Navy through its maritime patrol ships. Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised this success and called it an example of the government’s strong commitment against drugs and excellent coordination between various agencies.
So far in 2024, 3500 kg of drugs smuggled through sea route have been seized. 11 Iranian and 14 Pakistani citizens have been arrested in these proceedings. All these foreign nationals are currently in judicial custody and the hearing against them is going on in the court. Many such big operations prove that the government is fully committed to stopping drug smuggling.