In a significant victory against drug trafficking, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Indian Navy joined forces to seize a staggering 2,500 kg of methamphetamine from Indian waters near Kochi on Saturday. This massive haul of drugs, estimated to be worth around Rs 15,000 crore in the illicit market, marks the largest seizure in terms of monetary value ever conducted by an Indian enforcement agency. The successful operation resulted in the arrest of a Pakistani national involved in the illicit drug trade. The operation, codenamed “Operation Samudragupt,” was launched under the guidance of India’s Home Minister, Amit Shah, with the objective of eradicating drug trafficking in Indian waters. Acting on credible intelligence, the NCB and the Indian Navy intercepted a mother ship transporting the methamphetamine and executed a swift operation to seize the illicit cargo. It is anticipated that the total quantity of the seizure may rise further as investigations progress. A total of 134 sacks containing the potent stimulant methamphetamine were discovered aboard the intercepted vessel. The confiscated narcotics were subsequently transported to the Mattancherry wharf, where they were officially handed over to the NCB for further investigation and legal proceedings.
Since its commencement in February 2022, Operation Samudragupt has achieved substantial success, resulting in the seizure of a total of 3,200 kg of methamphetamine, 500 kg of heroin, and 529 kg of hashish. The NCB officials have also shared relevant information regarding the seizure with the authorities in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, enhancing regional cooperation in combating transnational drug smuggling. Deputy Director General (Operations) of the NCB, Sanjay Kumar Singh, emphasized the operation’s primary objective of gathering actionable intelligence to intercept and disrupt drug trafficking operations in the maritime domain.
Singh expressed gratitude for the invaluable support provided by various enforcement agencies, including the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in Gujarat, and the intelligence wing of the Indian Navy. He further affirmed the commitment to continue Operation Samudragupt until Indian waters are completely rid of drug-related activities, seeking the collaboration of both central and state government agencies in this endeavor. The successful joint operation underscores India’s unwavering determination to combat drug smuggling and secure its maritime boundaries, thereby protecting its citizens from the perils associated with the drug trade.