Vinod Bhat
Pursuing Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of a drug-free Bharat, agencies have again achieved success by making an offshore seizure of drugs
The success is a testament to the Government led by the Prime Minister Shri Modi Ji’s unwavering perseverance and commitment in making our nation drug-free
Drugs are the enemy of the country’s security and future, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and guidance of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, MHA is fully committed to eliminate this menace completely
In a joint operation carried out by NCB, ATS Gujarat Police and Indian Coast Guard a consignment of approximate 62 kg of Methamphetamine was seized in the Arabian Sea
Second Maritime Seizure by NCB and ATS Gujarat in three weeks, the earlier one being the largest maritime seizure of drugs in the country.
Six persons suspected to be of Pakistani Citizens have been detained and the Pakistan connection is being probed.
Seizure part of Operation “SAGAR-MANTHAN – 2” targeting maritime trafficking of drugs
India’s leadership in the maritime security of the region
Pursuing Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of a drug-free Bharat agencies have again achieved success by making a significant offshore seizure of drugs in the nation. In a joint operation carried out by NCB, Coast Guard, and Gujarat Police, a consignment of approximate 62 kg of Methamphetamine was seized in Indian Ocean. Six suspected Pakistani nationals have been detained and further questioning is underway.
This seizure is yet again a testament to Government led by the Prime Minister Shri Modi’s unwavering commitment to making our nation drug-free. Drugs are the enemy of the country’s security and future, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and guidance of Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs is fully committed to eliminate this menace completely.
Director General, NCB launched Operation “SAGAR-MANTHAN-2” headed by Sh. Gyaneshwar Singh, Deputy Director General (Ops), NCB and comprising officers of Operations Branch of NCB Headquarters & Officers of Operations / Intelligence Branches of the Indian Coast Guard to counter the threat to national security emanating from maritime trafficking of drugs in Indian Ocean region. A series of such maritime operations have been launched by NCB in coordination with the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard. Present Operation was earlier preceded by “Operation Sagar Manthan-1”, a huge success, being the country’s biggest maritime seizure of Hashish/Charas of 3110kg along with 158kg Methamphetamine and 24kg Heroin.
The primary objective of the operation is to collect actionable inputs which could lead to interdiction of ships carrying narcotics contraband.
For this task, the team exchanged and gathered information from Indian Coast Guard & other drug law enforcement agencies such as ATS Gujarat, intelligence agencies etc. The team also cultivated numerous domestic as well as international assets. Technological interventions were also deployed in generating actionable inputs.
Based on the specific intelligence developed by ATS Gujarat, a joint team of Operations Unit of NCB and ATS Gujarat launched an operation with Indian Coast Guard on 08/03/2024. In the early hours of 12th March, 2024, the Indian Coast Guard successfully intercepted a foreign vessel carrying 6 Pakistani nationals and approximately 62kg of methamphetamine.
Operation codenamed as “SAGAR-MANTHAN -2” was launched following this information. A joint team of NCB Operations Branch, Indian Coast Guard and Gujarat ATS was constituted for this operation and mobilised. To intercept the vessel, NCB requested the INDIAN COAST GUARD for assistance. Immediately responding to our request, the Indian Coast Guard mobilised its mission-deployed maritime patrol aircraft and warship for this operation.
Early investigations indicate that the final destination of the seized drug may probably be Delhi NCR and Punjab.
Further investigation is on, to bust the entire International syndicate.
Requisite help of foreign DLEAs will be taken. Efforts have been made by NCB to identify and disrupt the entire networks involved in such transnational trafficking of drugs and this operation is also an outcome of such efforts.
This operation is also a great example of Inter-agency cooperation and coordination. NCB places on record the appreciation for the stellar cooperation by Indian Coast Guard and ATS Gujarat Police for this major milestone towards achieving Government’s goal of Drug free India.