India’s Biggest Drug Bust: 5 Tons Seized by Coast Guard in Andaman Sea
In a major anti-drug operation, the Indian Coast Guard intercepted a fishing vessel carrying 5 tons of narcotics in the Andaman Sea. Part of 'Sagar Manthan-4,' the operation highlights the growing threat of drug trafficking via sea routes. This year, authorities have confiscated 3,500 kg of drugs and arrested several foreign nationals involved in maritime smuggling.
India’s Biggest Drug Bust: Indian Coast Guard (ICG) officials made a major haul as they seized nearly 5 tons of drugs from a fishing vessel in the Andaman Sea on Tuesday. Defense officials described the operation, part of an ongoing crackdown on drug trafficking, as one of India's biggest drug hauls.
This operation, code-named 'Sagar Manthan-4,' was the result of concerted action by the Coast Guard, Indian Navy, and Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad. It acted on intelligence inputs that caused the agencies to identify and intercept a particular vessel with the naval patrol ships. Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauded the success and described it as an example of the government's resolve and the seamless interagency cooperation against the drug cartel.
Earlier this month, security agencies had seized 700 kg of methamphetamine off the Gujarat coast, leading to the arrest of eight Iranian nationals. So far in 2024, authorities have confiscated 3,500 kilograms of narcotics via sea routes and detained 11 Iranian and 14 Pakistani nationals. The Indian government remains committed to eradicating maritime drug trafficking through intensified efforts.
