Navy-NCB catch boat with drugs weighing over 3,000 kg off-shore Gujarat in joint operation

NEW DELHI: In a successful coordinated operation at sea, the Indian Navy, in coordination with Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), apprehended a suspicious boat carrying almost 3,300 kg of contraband, making it the largest in terms of quantity, in recent times, said the Indian Navy in a statement.

The suspicious vessel was intercepted near the International Maritime Boundary Line off the Gujarat coast in the Arabian Sea. The contraband, along with the apprehended boat and crew, were handed over to the law enforcement agencies at an Indian port, on February 27, they added.

The items seized included 3,089 kg of charas, 158 kg of methamphetamine, and 25 kg of morphine. Based on the input of P8I LRMR aircraft on surveillance mission, the IN mission-deployed ship was diverted to intercept the suspicious dhow engaged in contraband smuggling.

The seizure of drugs from the dhow, which is by far the largest in terms of quantity, was possible through the collaborative 4efforts of the Indian Navy’s mission-deployed assets with the NCB. “The coordinated response of the Indian Navy with law enforcement agencies is reflective of our resolute stance against narcotics trafficking in India’s maritime neighbourhood”, the statement said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday lauded the Indian Navy and NCB’s joint operation in seizing almost 3,300 kg of contraband off the coast of Gujarat and called it a ‘testament’ to the government’s unwavering commitment to making India a drug-free nation.

Commending the joint operation, Union Home Minister, Amit Shah posted on X, “Pursuing PM Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of a drug-free Bharat, our agencies today achieved the grand success of making the biggest offshore seizure of drugs in the nation. In a joint operation carried out by the NCB, the Navy, and the Gujarat Police, a gigantic consignment of 3132 kg of drugs was seized”.

“The historic success is a testament to our government’s unwavering commitment to making our nation drug-free. On this occasion, I congratulate the NCB, the Navy, and the Gujarat Police”, he added. (ANI)