In a significant drug bust, authorities seized approximately 700 kilograms of methamphetamine, also known as meth, from a vessel off the Gujarat coast on Friday, November 15. The operation, dubbed ‘Sagar Manthan – 4’, was a result of coordinated efforts between multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), the Indian Navy, and Gujarat’s Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS).
According to a statement from the NCB, the successful interdiction of the vessel was based on reliable intelligence inputs. The operation was launched in the Indian territorial waters off the coast of Gujarat, where authorities intercepted the vessel using naval maritime patrol assets. During the raid, eight Iranian nationals were arrested, marking a significant blow to the international drug trade operating through Indian waters.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the operation, calling it a “stellar example” of the government’s commitment to a drug-free India and the seamless coordination among various agencies. “Pursuing PM Shri @narendramodi Ji’s vision for a drug-free Bharat, our agencies today busted an international drug trafficking cartel and seized over 700 kg of contraband meth in Gujarat,” Shah wrote on social media.
The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the larger network behind the drug syndicate. Authorities are working closely with foreign Drugs Law Enforcement Agencies (DLEAs) to trace both the backward and forward linkages of the traffickers.
Operation ‘Sagar Manthan’
Operation ‘Sagar Manthan’ is part of a broader strategy launched earlier this year by the NCB to tackle maritime drug trafficking. The operation involves collaboration between the NCB’s Operations Branch, Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and the ATS Gujarat Police to counter the growing threat posed by illicit drug trade via the seas.
Since its inception, the operation has yielded impressive results. Over 3,400 kilograms of narcotics and psychotropic substances have been seized, with 11 Iranian nationals and 14 Pakistani nationals arrested in three separate cases. The seized drugs, mostly methamphetamine, are often transported via maritime routes, making such coordinated operations crucial for curbing drug trafficking in the region.
As part of the continued crackdown on maritime drug smuggling, the authorities are working to strengthen their international cooperation with other countries to dismantle global drug trafficking networks and prevent the spread of dangerous substances within India.
Sources By Agencies