HM Shah Praises Agencies for Busting International Drug Cartel

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 16th Nov. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah has congratulated security agencies for their successful operation in busting an international drug trafficking cartel and seizing approximately 700 kg of contraband methamphetamine in Gujarat.

In a post on X, Amit Shah highlighted the significant achievement, saying, “Pursuing PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s vision for a drug-free Bharat, our agencies today busted an international drug trafficking cartel and seized approx. 700 kg of contraband meth in Gujarat. The joint operation carried out by the NCB, Indian Navy, and Gujarat Police stands out as a stellar example of our commitment to the vision as well as the seamless coordination among our agencies in achieving the same. My heartiest congratulations to the agencies on this landmark breakthrough.”

The operation, codenamed “SAGAR-MANTHAN-4,” was carried out jointly by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), the Indian Navy, and the Gujarat Police. The operation resulted in the interception of a vessel in Indian territorial waters carrying approximately 700 kg of methamphetamine. Eight foreign nationals, believed to be Iranians, were found on the vessel without any identity documents.

This successful bust follows continuous intelligence gathering, which led to the identification of an unregistered vessel entering Indian waters. The vessel had no AIS (Automatic Identification System) and was suspected of carrying narcotics. The Indian Navy, using its mission-deployed maritime patrol assets, was able to interdict the vessel and seize the contraband on November 15, 2024.

The operation is part of the larger ongoing maritime anti-drug trafficking initiative known as Operation “SAGAR-MANTHAN,” launched earlier this year by the NCB. This operation has led to the seizure of over 3400 kg of various narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, with several foreign nationals arrested in connection with these cases.

Further investigations are underway to track the linkages of the drug syndicate, with assistance from foreign Drug Law Enforcement Agencies (DLEAs). The government’s efforts to enhance law enforcement capabilities in combating drug trafficking have also been bolstered with the creation of 111 new posts in the NCB, including five at the SP level.

Amit Shah said that these operations exemplify the government’s unwavering resolve to eliminate the drug menace in India, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Nasha Mukt Bharat by 2047.