Himalaya Harbinger National Bureau.
In a major stride against drug trafficking, the Indian Navy and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) collaborated in a joint operation, successfully intercepting a dhow off the Gujarat coast on Wednesday. The operation yielded the largest-ever narcotics haul in recent times, with 3,300 kg of drugs seized and five crew members apprehended.
The seized contraband, valued at an undisclosed amount, included 3,089 kilograms of charas, 158 kg of Methamphetamine, and 25 kg of morphine. Remarkably, one kg of charas commands a staggering ₹7 crore in the international market.
This successful operation comes in the wake of the government’s proactive stance against drug cartels infiltrating the country, exemplified by the launch of “Operation Samudragupt.” This initiative aims to make India drug-free by 2047, employing a multi-pronged strategy to combat drug trafficking and abuse.
Noteworthy drug busts in recent times underscore the urgency of such efforts:
- 22 February 2024: Pune City police, in a groundbreaking operation, seized approximately 1,700 kg of mephedrone valued at ₹3,000 crore. The raids targeted a chemical manufacturing factory in Daund taluka and shops in South Extension, New Delhi.
- 13 May 2023: The Indian Navy and the NCB collaborated to confiscate at least 2,500 kg of drugs, estimated to be worth ₹12,000 crore, from a large vessel near the Kerala coast. A Pakistani national was detained in connection with the operation.
- 7 March 2023: The Indian Coast Guard, in conjunction with the Gujarat ATS, intercepted an Iranian boat near Okha in Kutch district. The vessel, carrying five Indian crew members, was allegedly transporting 61 kg of heroin valued at ₹425 crore.
- 6 June 2023: The NCB cracked down on a nationwide dark-net-based drug syndicate, seizing substantial quantities of party drug LSD and apprehending several smugglers.
- 1 December 2023: Customs officials seized 22 kg of cocaine, estimated at ₹220 crore, from a container ship at Paradip Port in Odisha.
- 12 December 2023: In one of Bengaluru’s most significant drug hauls, the Central Crime Branch (CCB) confiscated contraband worth ₹21 crore, leading to the arrest of a Nigerian national.
- 12 February 2022: The Indian Navy and the NCB, operating in high seas, seized approximately 529 kg of high-quality hashish, 234 kg of the finest-quality crystal methamphetamine, and a quantity of heroin.
- 19 April 2021: The Indian Navy seized narcotics worth ₹3,000 crore from a fishing vessel in the Arabian Sea.
Official quotes from authorities highlight the gravity of the situation. The Navy spokesperson emphasized, “This operation signifies a significant blow to the drug trade,” while the NCB representative added, “Collaborative efforts are essential to eradicate drug trafficking.”
