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Initial estimates place the market value of the seized Meth at several billion U.S. dollars, vastly surpassing Rs 8,400 crore.
NEW DELHI: The Indian Coast Guard seized over 5-tonne of synthetic narcotics, suspected to be Methamphetamine, from a foreign-origin fishing vessel off the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This marks the largest drug bust in the nearly 5-decade history of the maritime law enforcement agency.
The contraband was intercepted during a coordinated air-sea operation involving a Dornier-228 maritime surveillance aircraft and fast patrol vessels. The foreign vessel, carrying six crew members, was apprehended in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone and escorted to Port Blair for further investigation.
Port Blair, home to the nation’s only tri-services command and the regional Indian Coast Guard headquarters, will spearhead the probe into the origins and intent of this massive narcotics shipment.
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The Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, with its 550 islands of varying sizes, poses significant challenges for surveillance and law enforcement. The bust comes shortly after India’s largest-ever maritime security drill, Exercise Sea Vigil-2024, which involved the Indian tri-services (Army, Navy, Air Force), six central ministries, and 21 law enforcement agencies.
ICG seized an unprecedented 5-tonne of narcotics from a fishing vessel in the Andaman waters. This operation is considered the largest drug bust in the history of the Indian Coast Guard. Anti-narcotics agencies have ramped up their nationwide efforts against drug trafficking, seizing over 3,500 kg of drugs through maritime routes this year. In a significant operation, earlier this month, authorities intercepted a vessel off the Gujarat coast during Operation Sagar Manthan 4, seizing 700 kg of methamphetamine and arresting eight Iranian nationals. The operation was carried out by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Indian Navy, and Gujarat ATS, based on intelligence inputs. To date, authorities have arrested 11 Iranians and 14 Pakistanis in three separate cases, with all suspects currently in custody awaiting trial.
The seized narcotics far exceed the Coast Guard’s annual drug seizure average of 1-1.5 tonnes, underscoring the magnitude of this operation. Initial estimates place the market value of the seized Meth at several billion U.S. dollars, vastly surpassing Rs 8,400 crore.
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The operation was conducted under challenging weather conditions, with rough seas and gusty winds caused by a depression in the Bay of Bengal.
Further investigations will delve into the origins and networks associated with this shipment, with authorities focusing on dismantling the global narcotics trade connected to this consignment.
The Indian Coast Guard’s consistent efforts in intercepting drug consignments underscore its crucial role in maintaining maritime security and curbing illegal activities in Indian waters. The recent record-breaking haul is a testament to the ICG’s vigilance and dedication to safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests.
