NEW DELHI: In a breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), in collaboration with the Indian Navy and Gujarat ATS, intercepted a vessel carrying approximately 700 kg of methamphetamine in Indian territorial waters. The operation, part of the ongoing “SAGAR-MANTHAN” initiative, led to the arrest of eight foreign nationals who claimed to be Iranians.
The mission, launched following credible intelligence inputs, successfully identified and interdicted the unregistered vessel, which lacked an Automatic Identification System (AIS). The seizure underscores the Indian government’s zero-tolerance policy toward drugs under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
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The interdiction resulted from continuous intelligence gathering and analysis, which pinpointed the entry of the suspicious vessel into Indian waters. Indian Navy assets were mobilized to execute the operation, culminating in the seizure on November 15, 2024.
Initiated earlier this year, Operation “SAGAR-MANTHAN” targets maritime drug trafficking. So far, it has led to the seizure of approximately 3,400 kg of various narcotics and the arrest of 25 foreign nationals, including 11 Iranians and 14 Pakistanis.
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The Union government, committed to achieving a “Nasha Mukt Bharat” by 2047, has enhanced the capacities of law enforcement agencies. Recent initiatives include the creation of 111 new posts in the NCB, complementing the 425 posts added in the past two years.
Efforts are underway to trace the backward and forward linkages of the drug syndicate, with assistance from foreign law enforcement agencies. This operation exemplifies robust inter-agency cooperation and reinforces the nation’s resolve to counter the menace of drug trafficking.
According to international street prices, the seized methamphetamine is estimated to be worth ₹2–5 crore per kilogram. This achievement stands as a significant milestone in India’s battle against drug trafficking and its vision of a drug-free future.