700 kg of drugs seized in major drug bust off Gujarat coast by NCB, Navy, and ATS

In a major success for India's anti-narcotics efforts, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Indian Navy, and Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) have seized around 700 kg of drugs in Porbandar, Gujarat. The operation, carried out on Friday in the Arabian Sea, resulted in the recovery of heroin and other narcotics worth hundreds of crores of rupees. The drugs were found aboard an Iranian ship, and eight Iranian nationals have been arrested.

According to NCB India, the operation dismantled an international drug smuggling gang, a significant step in the nation's efforts to combat illegal drug trafficking. The joint operation, which involved coordination between the NCB, Navy, and Gujarat Police, underscores India's commitment to a drug-free future.

The operation began after Indian agencies received intelligence about an Iranian boat heading towards India with a cargo of drugs. The IMBL (International Maritime Boundary Line) radar detected the vessel crossing into Indian waters, prompting immediate action. The Gujarat ATS stated that the successful capture of the Iranian ship dealt a major blow to the international drug syndicate.

This operation is part of a broader initiative by India’s anti-narcotics agencies, including Operation Sagar Manthan, launched earlier this year to combat maritime drug smuggling, which poses a significant threat to national security.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated the agencies for their success, emphasizing that the operation was in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for a drug-free India. He praised the seamless coordination between agencies and the historic success in combating international drug trafficking.