In a significant drug bust operation off the Gujarat coast, the Indian Navy, in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), intercepted a small ship and seized approximately 3,300 kilograms of drugs near Porbandar. This seizure marks one of the largest drug confiscations in recent times, valued at around ₹1,300 crore.
The operation, conducted jointly by the Navy and the NCB, resulted in the apprehension of a vessel carrying a substantial quantity of narcotics. Among the seized drugs were 3,089 kilograms of charas, 158 kilograms of methamphetamine, and 25 kilograms of morphine. The vessel’s crew, comprising five Pakistani nationals, was also arrested in connection with the illicit cargo.
According to reports, the seized charas alone is estimated to be valued at ₹7 crore per kilogram in international markets. The successful interception was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Indian Navy’s mission-deployed assets and the NCB.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauded the joint operation, hailing it as a historic success in the fight against drug trafficking. He commended the efforts of the NCB, Indian Navy, and Gujarat Police in ensuring the seizure of the significant drug consignment.
The operation was carried out in the Arabian Sea near the International Maritime Boundary Line, following the detection of a suspicious dhow by surveillance aircraft. The Navy diverted a ship to intercept the vessel suspected of being involved in drug smuggling, based on intelligence provided by surveillance missions.
This major drug bust comes shortly after another significant seizure, where 1,100 kilograms of mephedrone, also known as ‘Meow Meow’, worth ₹2,500 crore, was confiscated in raids conducted across Pune and New Delhi. The successive seizures underscore the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and secure the nation’s maritime borders against illicit activities.
Sources By Agencies