$2 Bn Heroin Seizure: Adani Ports To Stop Operating Cargos From Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran

Adani Ports and Logistics said with effect from November 15 "APSEZ will not handle EXIM containerized cargoes originating from Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan".

Mundra Port, Gujarat | File Image

Mumbai: Billionaire Gautam Adani-led Adani Group has decided not to operate cargos originating from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran, after 3000 kilograms of heroin worth over $2 billion were seized at the Mundra port last month. 

In a travel advisory to its customers, Adani Ports and Logistics said, "Please be informed that with effect from November 15, APSEZ will not handle EXIM containerized cargoes originating from Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan."

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ABP News reviewed the advisory copy dated October 11, which said that the advisory will apply to all terminals operated by APSEZ (Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone) and including third party terminals at any time APSEZ ports till further notice. 

Last month, a large cache of contraband heroin was found in two containers from Afghanistan that had arrived at the DP World Terminal at its Mundra Port, unearthed in a joint operation by the DRI and Customs on September 16, 2021.

APSEZ is a port operator providing services to shipping lines.

According to Adani Group spokesperson, no port operator across the country can examine a container, and their role is limited to running the port. 

"We have no policing authority over the containers or the millions of tonnes of cargo that pass through the terminals in Mundra or any of our ports," said the Adani Group spokesperson.

On Saturday, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches at multiple locations in connection with its probe into the drug haul at Gujarat's Mundra Adani Port.

The NIA said in a statement said the "searches were conducted in Chennai, Coimbatore, and Vijaywada at the premises of the accused/suspects."

"During the searches, various incriminating documents, articles, and other items have been seized," the NIA added.

The case relating to the seizure of 2,988.21 kg of heroin by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at Gujarat's Mundra Port on September 16 was transferred to the NIA on October 6.

The heroin found in two containers, which came from Afghanistan via Iran's Bandar Abbas Port, were declared to be carrying "semi-processed talc stones."