The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Indian Navy have made a historic drug seizure off the Gujarat coast, marking the largest haul to date on Wednesday. Approximately 3,500 kg of drugs, valued at over ₹1000 crore, were confiscated from a ship in Indian waters. Five individuals suspected to be from Pakistan or Iran have been arrested in connection with the operation.
Gyaneshwar Singh, NCB’s Deputy Director General (Operations), announced the seizure on Wednesday, stating that further details will be disclosed later in the day. The arrested individuals lack proper identity papers and are believed to be from either Iran or Pakistan. This seizure represents the highest quantity of drugs ever seized offshore in the country.
Over the past two years, the NCB has collaborated with the Indian Navy on three major operations in the Indian Ocean. In previous operations, significant quantities of methamphetamine and heroin were seized from vessels off the Gujarat and Kerala coasts.
Last year, the NCB intercepted a ship from Pakistan carrying at least 2,500 kg of methamphetamine worth ₹12,000 crore in the Indian Ocean. Investigations revealed links to drug cartels in India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, with a Pakistan-based individual, Haji Salim, identified as a key figure in the smuggling network.
