Biggest offshore drug haul hailed by Amit Shah: “Historic success a testament to govt’s commitment”

The largest-ever drug haul from offshore in India was praised by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday as a “testament” to the Narendra Modi government’s “unwavering commitment” to ridding the country of drugs.

Over 3,100 kg of drugs were found in a mother ship, a sizable vessel transporting significant amounts of illegal drugs for distribution to receiving vessels along the route, during a cooperative operation by the Narcotics Control Bureau, the Indian Navy, and the Gujarat Police near the Gujarat coast.

People acquainted with the situation report that five individuals, thought to be from Pakistan or Iran, had been captured in relation to the operation.

Shah wrote on X, “On this occasion, I congratulate the NCB, the Navy, and the Gujarat Police.”

“Our authorities today made the largest-ever seizure of narcotics abroad in the country, fulfilling PM Narendra Modi Ji’s dream of a drug-free Bharat. The NCB, the Navy, and the Gujarat Police worked together to capture a massive shipment of 3132 kg of cocaine in a coordinated operation, the speaker said.

According to NCB authorities, the amount of narcotics that were confiscated was the greatest in terms of quantity, with an estimated worth above ₹1000 crore.

Details will be disclosed later in the day. There are no identification documents with the five males that were detained. They are Pakistani or Iranian in origin. According to the amount, this is the largest offshore seizure the nation has ever seen, according to Gyaneshwar Singh, deputy director general of operations for the NCB.

The kind of narcotics found during the operation has not yet been made public by the agency.

“The remarkable accomplishment is evidence of our government’s steadfast dedication to eradicating drugs from our country. I would want to congratulate the Gujarat Police, the Navy, and the NCB on this occasion,” Shah stated.

200 kilograms of premium heroin were taken off the coast of Kerala in October of 2022, after 221 kg of methamphetamine were found on a ship close to the Gujarat coast in February of the same year. Another significant achievement came from the May 11 operation of the previous year, when a mother ship sent from Pakistan was found to be carrying at least 2500 kilograms of methamphetamine, valued at ₹12000 crore.

Past case investigations have shown a pattern of drug trafficking directed by Haji Salim, a Pakistani national.