Largest Methamphetamine seizure by Andaman & Nicobar Police uncovers transnational drug network

| Updated: 29 November, 2024 7:57 pm IST

NEW DELHI: In a groundbreaking operation, the Andaman & Nicobar Police, in coordination with the Indian Coast Guard, have seized 6,016 kilograms of methamphetamine, marking the largest drug seizure in Indian history. Six Myanmarese nationals have been apprehended, and investigations are shedding light on the extensive and organized drug network behind the operation, according to the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Andaman & Nicobar Police.

 

The police secured a seven-day remand for the suspects and subjected them to joint interrogations. The questioning has revealed significant insights into the cartel’s operations, including its connections to the Golden Triangle—a region infamous for its illicit drug trade. The boat involved in the smuggling operation underwent detailed scrutiny, uncovering advanced technology such as a Starlink satellite dish, which highlights the cartel’s sophisticated communication capabilities.

 

Preliminary findings indicate that the master of the seized boat frequently travelled to Tachileik in Myanmar, a key hub for the methamphetamine trade located at the Laos-Thailand-China border. GPS data further revealed coordinates linked to Sumatra, Indonesia, and various locations in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, including Rangat and Neil Islands.

 

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“The meticulous planning and execution of this operation reflect the Andaman & Nicobar Police’s commitment to combating transnational organized crime,” the PRO stated. The investigation also adhered strictly to legal protocols, with the Supreme Court-mandated sampling and certification of the seized drugs completed within 48 hours.

 

The authorities are now focused on dismantling the network responsible for this elaborate smuggling scheme. The police, in collaboration with national agencies, aim to trace every link in the chain and ensure all individuals involved are held accountable.

 

As this case unfolds, it is poised to contribute significantly to India’s broader fight against drug trafficking. The Andaman & Nicobar Police reiterated their resolve to protect citizens and enforce the law, aligning with the government’s vision of a “Nasha Mukt Bharat” (Drug-Free India).

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