In ‘biggest-ever’ haul, Indian Coast Guard seizes 5 ton drugs in Andaman waters

Indian Coast Guard has apprehended a huge consignment of around five tonnes of drugs from a fishing boat in the Andaman waters, defence officials said

Updated on: Nov 25, 2024, 12:55:56 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has seized what it said is likely its biggest ever drug consignment from a fishing boat in the Andaman waters. Defence officials on Monday said the consignment seized was of around five tonnes of drugs.

An Indian Coast Guard hovercraft (front) and Indian Navy's national hospital ship (NHS) participate during Sanyukt Vimochan 2024, a multilateral joint exercise in Porbandar in November 2024. (AFP/Representative)

"Indian Coast Guard has apprehended a huge consignment of around five tonnes of drugs from a fishing boat in the Andaman waters. This is likely to be the biggest ever drug haul by the Indian Coast Guard ever. More details awaited," said defence officials.

Crackdown on drug smuggling

This haul is the latest in the series of similar seizures that anti-narcotics agencies have made in their crackdown on drug smuggling and cartels.

In a massive drug haul earlier this month, anti-narcotics agencies seized about 700 kilograms of Methamphetamine - also known as meth - and arrested eight Iranian nationals from Indian territorial waters off the Gujarat coast.

Also Read: 400 kg drugs seized from Gujarat factory week after massive cocaine bust in Delhi

Codenamed 'Sagar Manthan - 4', the operation was launched based on intelligence inputs, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) said in a statement, adding that a vessel was identified and interdicted by the Navy by mobilising its maritime patrol assets.

The operation was carried out jointly by the NCB, Navy and Gujarat Police Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS).

Union Home Minister Amit Shah had reacted to the drug-bust and said the operation stands out as a “stellar example of the government's commitment to the vision and the seamless coordination among our agencies in achieving the same.”

A whopping 3,500 kgs of drugs being trafficked through the maritime route has been seized by anti-narcotics agencies this year with the arrest of 11 Iranians and 14 Pakistani nationals in three cases.

All these foreigners are currently lodged in jail awaiting court trial, as per the NCB.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.