The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) achieved a major breakthrough in its fight against drug trafficking by intercepting a fishing boat in the Andaman waters carrying approximately five tones of drugs. Defence officials revealed on Monday that this is likely the largest-ever drug seizure by the Indian Coast Guard, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against narcotics smuggling in the region.
“This is likely to be the biggest-ever drug haul by the Indian Coast Guard. More details are awaited as investigations are underway,” defence officials confirmed.
A Massive Crackdown on Drug Smuggling
The recent seizure is part of a concerted effort by Indian anti-narcotics agencies to dismantle smuggling networks that exploit the country’s maritime borders. In a similar operation earlier this month, anti-narcotics agencies seized around 700 kilograms of Methamphetamine, also known as “meth,” from Indian territorial waters off the Gujarat coast.
The operation, codenamed ‘Sagar Manthan – 4,’ was a joint mission involving the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), the Indian Navy, and Gujarat Police’s Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS). Based on intelligence inputs, maritime patrol assets were deployed to intercept a suspicious vessel. Eight Iranian nationals were apprehended during the operation.
Union Home Minister Praises Inter-Agency Coordination
Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauded the collaborative efforts behind the earlier seizure, describing the operation as a “stellar example of the government’s commitment to its vision” and seamless coordination among agencies. He emphasized that such successes highlight India’s resolve to combat the drug menace effectively.
The government’s emphasis on inter-agency coordination has borne fruit in recent years, with maritime routes emerging as a critical focus area for anti-narcotics efforts. In 2024 alone, Indian agencies have confiscated approximately 3,500 kilograms of drugs trafficked via maritime routes in three separate operations, arresting 11 Iranian nationals and 14 Pakistani nationals.
Growing Use of Maritime Routes by Drug Cartels
Maritime drug trafficking has become a preferred route for cartels seeking to exploit vast, less-monitored expanses of ocean to smuggle narcotics into India and beyond. According to the NCB, such operations pose a unique challenge due to the difficulty of tracking and intercepting vessels over large maritime territories.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, given their strategic location near major international shipping lanes, have increasingly been targeted by drug cartels. The recent five-tonne seizure underscores the magnitude of the issue and the need for continued vigilance in safeguarding Indian waters.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigations
Following the confiscations, foreign nationals involved in drug trafficking have been detained and are awaiting trial in Indian courts. Authorities are working to establish the origin and intended destination of the seized narcotics. Previous investigations revealed links between arrested individuals and international cartels operating across South Asia and the Middle East.
The recent seizure by the Indian Coast Guard is expected to intensify investigations into drug syndicates using the region as a transit point. Officials have reiterated the importance of international cooperation to combat these transnational crimes effectively.
A Landmark Year for Drug Enforcement
The year 2024 has been a landmark for India’s anti-narcotics efforts, with multiple high-profile seizures and arrests underscoring the government’s resolve to tackle the growing drug problem. The interception of five tonnes of drugs in the Andaman waters is not just a major success for the Indian Coast Guard but also a testament to the country’s robust maritime security framework.
As investigations continue, officials aim to send a strong message to drug cartels operating in the region. “India’s maritime borders are being monitored more closely than ever before. Such actions will not go unnoticed, and the perpetrators will be brought to justice,” a senior NCB official stated.