Indian Coast Guard conducts anti-smuggling operation off Mundra coast in Gujarat
New Delhi, May 27
The Indian Coast Guard on wednesday seized approximately 115 kg of Cocaine during a joint intelligence-based anti-smuggling operation conducted in coordination with the Anti-Terrorism Squad Gujarat from May 25-26, off the Mundra coast in Gujarat.
The estimated international market value of the seized narcotics is approximately Rs 1150 crore as per open-source assessments.
Acting on specific and actionable intelligence shared by ATS Gujarat, ICG Interceptor Boats, with ATS personnel embarked onboard, undertook an extensive search operation in the Mundra anchorage area.
During the operation, suspicious activity was observed onboard a container vessel. Demonstrating swift operational response and seamless inter-agency coordination, the team immediately proceeded to the location and recovered five bags from the sea.
Upon examination, the bags were found to contain packets of white powdery substance, which tested positive for Cocaine. A total of 115 packets, weighing approximately one kilogram each, with an overall contraband weight of around 115 kg, were seized during the operation. Subsequently, the vessel has been brought to the port for further investigation.
According to the Ministry of Defence, this was the 15th successful anti-narcotics operation jointly undertaken by ICG & ATS in the last five years, reaffirming their unwavering commitment towards strengthening maritime security and achieving the national vision of a "Nasha Mukt Bharat".
Meanwhile, in a separate development, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Chennai Zonal Unit secured the conviction of six accused persons involved in an international Ganja and Hashish Oil trafficking network, officials said on May 13.
According to a press release, on November 21, 2022, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) intercepted the fishing boat "Kanmani" approximately 45 nautical miles south of Mandapam. Before interception, the crew threw 8 gunny bags overboard, which the ICG subsequently recovered from the water.
NCB Chennai officials took over the case at ICGS Mandapam. The inventory included 99 packets of Ganja, one bottle of Hashish Oil, GPS devices, and mobile phones. A total of 290.490 kilograms of Ganja and 1 kilogram of Hashish Oil were seized by the officers of NCB, Chennai Zonal Unit, the release said.
Four Indian nationals who were on the boat, namely, K Iniyas Ahemed, Seyed Noorul Ammen, Kannan K and Velu A, all residents of Ramanathapuram, were arrested by NCB officers with the contraband. During the investigation, it was revealed that the boat belonged to P Ramu, who had knowingly provided his boat for smuggling the above four persons.
Further investigation revealed that the master mind of this network was Mohamed Basith, who had arranged to send the narcotic drugs to Sri Lanka through the sea route, with the assistance of his associates. Mohamed Basith was also arrested in June 2023.
Upon completion of the investigation, the detailed complaint was filed before the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act Court, Pudukottai. During the course of the trial, the prosecution examined nine witnesses and relied upon more than 100 pieces of prosecution evidence, including the Call Detail Record (CDR) analysis, to corroborate the activities of the arrested persons.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Impressive coordination between the Coast Guard and state police. But it's concerning that such large shipments can reach Indian waters. The "Nasha Mukt Bharat" vision is noble, but we need stronger international cooperation to track the source. Also, punishments for traffickers need to be much harsher.
Kudos to the team! 15 successful joint operations in 5 years is a good record. The cannabis case with the fishing boat "Kanmani" shows how smugglers are getting creative—throwing contraband overboard when caught. Our coastal security has improved dramatically post-26/11. But common citizens should also report suspicious activity near coasts.
Good to see inter-agency work paying off. However, I'm always skeptical about the valuation figures—₹1150 crore "as per open-source assessments" seems like an arbitrary number used for headlines. What matters is the actual street impact. Let's hope these arrests lead to bigger fish in the supply chain.
Ab to aadat si hai—Indian agencies doing amazing work but we rarely hear about convictions. The NCB case from Chennai shows it's possible: 6 convicted after a 3-year trial involving CDR analysis and 100+ pieces of evidence. More such follow-through is needed. Also, stay strong against Pakistan-backed narcotics networks! 💪
Impressive scale—115 kg of cocaine is a lot. But I wonder about the "white powdery substance" testing positive. Are our field tests reliable enough for such serious seizures? Hope the lab results confirm. Also, the connection to Sri Lanka in the cannabis case shows these networks are regional. Need more
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