In a significant operation to curb drug trafficking, law enforcement agencies have successfully seized approximately 700 kg of methamphetamine from an international drug syndicate operating in Gujarat. This operation was conducted by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), the Indian Navy, and the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of Gujarat Police.
Operation Details: “SAGAR-MANTHAN – 4”
The crackdown was initiated after intelligence reports pointed to an unregistered vessel entering Indian territorial waters carrying illicit substances. The agencies promptly launched operation “SAGAR-MANTHAN – 4”, with maritime patrol units of the Indian Navy intercepting the suspicious vessel.
- Outcome: Approximately 700 kg of methamphetamine was seized.
- Detainees: Eight individuals, claiming Iranian nationality, were arrested on board the vessel. They were found without identification documents, as per reports from ANI.
Official Statements
- Indian Navy: The Indian Navy confirmed the successful operation, stating on X (formerly Twitter):
- “Indian Navy, in a coordinated operation with @narcoticsbureau & Gujarat Police, intercepted a suspicious boat, leading to the seizure of approximately 700 kg of meth in Gujarat. This is the second major successful coordinated Anti-Narcotics Operation at sea by the Navy this year.”
- Union Home Minister, Amit Shah: Amit Shah praised the operation, reaffirming the government’s commitment to a drug-free Bharat. He posted:
- “Pursuing PM Shri @narendramodi Ji’s vision for a drug-free Bharat, our agencies today busted an international drug trafficking cartel and seized over 700 kg of contraband meth in Gujarat.”
- He further congratulated the agencies for their efforts, calling the operation a “stellar example of seamless coordination among our agencies.”
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation is ongoing, with Indian authorities collaborating with international drug law enforcement agencies to dismantle the global network of the drug syndicate.
Previous Anti-Narcotics Operations
Earlier this year, the SAGAR-MANTHAN initiative was launched to combat maritime drug trafficking, which poses a significant threat to national security. As part of this initiative:
- The NCB, Indian Navy, and Indian Coast Guard have carried out multiple successful operations, resulting in the confiscation of approximately 3400 kg of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
- These operations led to the arrest of 11 Iranian citizens and 14 Pakistani citizens across three separate cases. All detainees are currently incarcerated, awaiting court proceedings.
Recent Drug Busts in Gujarat
In a separate incident last month, Gujarat police, in coordination with Delhi Police, seized 518 kg of cocaine worth Rs 5000 crore in a raid on a pharmaceutical company in Ankleshwar. This operation is part of India’s ongoing efforts under the “Zero Tolerance Against Drugs and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan” initiative.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
1. What was the primary outcome of the operation “SAGAR-MANTHAN – 4”?
A) Seizure of 700 kg of methamphetamine
B) Arrest of 8 individuals without identification documents
C) The interception of a suspicious vessel
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
2. Which agencies were involved in the drug trafficking bust in Gujarat?
A) Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Indian Navy, Gujarat Police
B) Indian Coast Guard, Delhi Police, Gujarat Police
C) Delhi Police, Indian Navy, Anti-Narcotics Agency
D) Gujarat Police, International Drug Enforcement Agencies
Answer: A) Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Indian Navy, Gujarat Police
3. What is the aim of the “SAGAR-MANTHAN” initiative launched earlier this year?
A) To counter maritime drug trafficking
B) To stop land-based drug trafficking
C) To dismantle global drug networks
D) To prevent illegal imports
Answer: A) To counter maritime drug trafficking
4. How much cocaine was seized in Gujarat in the operation conducted last month
A) 700 kg
B) 518 kg
C) 3400 kg
D) 500 kg
Answer: B) 518 kg
5. Who praised the operation and referred to it as an example of seamless coordination among agencies?
A) Prime Minister Narendra Modi
B) Union Home Minister Amit Shah
C) Gujarat Chief Minister
D) Navy Commander
Answer: B) Union Home Minister Amit Shah