5 tonnes of narcotics seized in Andaman Sea after 700 kg meth explosion in Gujarat

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has reportedly intercepted the largest drug consignment ever, with around 5 tonnes of narcotics seized from a fishing boat in the Andaman Sea.

Defense officials announced the operation on Monday (Nov 25), to report“The Indian Coast Guard has apprehended a huge consignment of around 5 tonnes of drugs from a fishing boat in Andaman waters.”

Highlighting the likelihood of this being the largest ever drug seizure by the Indian Coast Guard, the force said more details would be shared later.

This seizure is part of the ongoing national crackdown on drug trafficking. Earlier this month, anti-narcotics agencies seized 700 kilograms of methamphetamine and arrested eight Iranian nationals in Indian waters off the coast of Gujarat during Operation Sagar Manthan 4.

The operation, coordinated by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), the Indian Navy and the Gujarat Police Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), was based on intelligence inputs. The Navy identified and intercepted the ship using its maritime patrol assets.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the efforts and called it a “great example” of inter-agency cooperation and the government’s commitment to eradicate drug trafficking.

This year alone, anti-narcotics forces have seized more than 3,500 kilos of drugs via maritime routes, leading to the arrest of 11 Iranians and 14 Pakistanis in three separate cases. According to the NCB, all suspects are currently in custody awaiting trial.

These actions underline India’s intensified efforts to curb the trafficking of illicit drugs and dismantle smuggling networks along its vast coastline.