The Indian Navy and Narcotics Control Bureau, in a joint operation made the "largest" ever haul as they seized 3,300 kilograms of contraband off the Porbandar coast in Gujarat. Among the sezied drugs, being carried on a dhow, were 3,089 Kgs Charas, 158 Kgs Methamphetamine 25 Kgs Morphine, said the Indian Navy in a statement on Wednesday.
"Based on the input of P8I LRMR aircraft on surveillance mission, Indian Navy mission-deployed ship was diverted to intercept the suspicious dhow engaged in contraband smuggling," the statement said.
The suspicious dhow along with the crew member and the contraband were apprehended and handed over to the Law Enforcement Agencies at an Indian port.
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"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," said the Navy.
As per agencies, the contraband was worth over Rs 1,000 crore and five crew members, suspected to be Irani nationals, have been arrested in connection with the matter.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauded the "grand success" of the central agencies.
"Pursuing PM @narendramodi 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," Shah said in a post on X.
"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," he said.
"The historic success is a testament to our govt's unwavering commitment to making our nation drug-free. On this occasion, I congratulate the NCB, the Navy, and the Gujarat Police, " the Union minister said.