In a joint operation, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Indian Navy have seized drugs worth 12 thousand crores in Kerala. The operation, called Operation Samudragupt, was launched to tackle the seaborne smuggling of heroin and other drugs in the Indian Ocean region. The operation has been successful in intercepting large consignments of drugs being smuggled from Afghanistan to India.
The Raid and the Seized Drugs
The NCB and the Indian Navy have recovered 2500 kg of methamphetamine drugs during the raid. This is the first time such a huge consignment of methamphetamine drugs has been seized in the country. The Navy has also detained a suspected Pakistani national along with the consignment, who is being interrogated. According to NCB officials, around 3200 kg of methamphetamine, 500 kg of heroin, and 529 kg of charas have been seized in the operation so far.
Operation Samudragupt
Operation Samudragupt was launched under the chairmanship of SN Pradhan, Director General, NCB, to tackle the seaborne smuggling of heroin and other drugs in the Indian Ocean region. The operation started in January 2022 under the supervision of Sanjay Singh, Deputy Director General of NCB Operations. The initial objective of the operation was to gather information to interdict vessels carrying narcotics.
Inputs Shared with Sri Lanka and Maldives
Earlier, NCB shared certain inputs with Sri Lanka and Maldives during Operation Samudragupta, which led to the arrest of 19 drug smugglers along with 286 kg of heroin and 128 kg of methamphetamine in two operations conducted by the Sri Lankan Navy in the months of December 2022 and April 2023.
Mother Ship Carrying Methamphetamine
In continuation of the joint operation with the Intelligence Wing of the Indian Navy, intelligence was received about the movement of a mother ship carrying a large quantity of methamphetamine off the coast of Makran. Mother ships are large ocean ships. Based on this input, the Navy intercepted a large ship going to sea and recovered 134 sacks of suspected methamphetamine from the vessel. An Iranian national was also detained.
Suspected Pakistani National and Iranian National Detained
The Navy has detained a suspected Pakistani national along with the consignment of methamphetamine drugs in Kerala, while an Iranian national was detained in the operation off the coast of Makran. Both individuals are being interrogated for further information.
Further Action by NCB
The recovered gunny bags, Pakistani nationals, intercepted boat, and some other items salvaged from the main ship were brought to Mattancherry jetty, Cochin, on 13 May 2023, and handed over to NCB for further action. The NCB is now investigating the source of the drugs and the individuals involved in the smuggling operation.
Conclusion
The joint operation of the NCB and the Indian Navy has resulted in the seizure of drugs worth 12 thousand crores, including a huge consignment of methamphetamine drugs. The operation is part of the efforts to tackle the seaborne smuggling of drugs in the Indian Ocean region. The NCB and the Indian Navy are determined to continue their fight against drug trafficking and ensure the safety and security of the nation.
