The anti-drug agency, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), announced that they have made India’s largest drug bust to date. Along the southern coast of Kerala, they seized approximately 2,500 kg of high-purity methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth, with an estimated value of around 12,000 crore rupees (approximately $1.45 billion). Additionally, they have detained an individual suspected to be of Pakistani nationality.
The bags that were recovered, along with the suspected Pakistani national, the speed boat, and other seized items from the “mother ship,” were transported to Mattancherry Wharf in Kochi. The authorities handed over these items to the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) for further investigation and necessary action.
During the operation codenamed “Samudragupt,” which was initiated in January 2022, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) apprehended the suspected Pakistani national. This operation aims to combat the trafficking of heroin and other illicit drugs through maritime routes in the Indian Ocean region. Led by Sanjay Kumar Singh, the Deputy Director General (Ops), the NCB has successfully carried out three significant seizures related to drug trafficking within the past 18 months. It is noteworthy that all these operations have been focused on the southern route. Satya Narayan Pradhan, the Director General of the NCB, played a crucial role in launching Operation Samudragupt.
Based on continuous intelligence gathering and analysis, a senior officer stated that a probable route taken by the mother ship to distribute contraband was identified. The Indian Navy was informed of this information, and subsequently, a naval vessel was strategically positioned in close proximity to the suspected route. An official reported that a total of 134 sacks containing suspected methamphetamine were discovered on the ship, and a person, believed to be of Pakistani nationality, was apprehended while operating a speed boat used for loading the contraband. India has witnessed several recent drug seizures specifically targeting crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as “ice.”
In a noteworthy incident occurring in January 2022, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Indian Coast Guard intercepted a vessel off the Gujarat coast, resulting in the seizure of approximately 300 kg of crystal meth. Another significant operation conducted by the NCB in Hyderabad led to the confiscation of over 300 kg of crystal meth, accompanied by the arrest of multiple individuals involved in the illicit trade. In response to the growing issue, Indian authorities have been intensifying their efforts to combat the trafficking and usage of this drug through heightened enforcement measures and awareness campaigns.
Drug seizures in India have been a significant focus of law enforcement agencies as they strive to curb the drug trade and its impact on society. Various types of drugs, including opioids, cannabis, heroin, cocaine, and synthetic drugs like methamphetamine, have been seized in significant quantities across the country. In recent years, crystal methamphetamine, commonly referred to as “ice,” has gained attention due to its increasing prevalence in the Indian drug market. The illicit production and distribution of methamphetamine have been a cause for concern, as it poses serious health and social risks.
Authorities have made substantial drug busts targeting crystal methamphetamine. These seizures highlight the magnitude of the problem and the scale of the drug market in India. For example, in January 2022, the NCB and the Indian Coast Guard intercepted a vessel off the Gujarat coast, resulting in the confiscation of around 300 kg of crystal meth. Additionally, in Hyderabad, another major seizure occurred where the NCB seized over 300 kg of crystal meth. These operations indicate the presence of a significant drug market and organized networks involved in the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of illicit drugs.
The drug market in India is driven by various factors, including domestic production, smuggling routes, and international drug trafficking networks. Some drugs are locally produced, while others are smuggled into the country through different means, such as land routes, maritime routes, and air routes. Drug abuse and addiction pose substantial challenges to public health and social stability. Indian authorities have been intensifying efforts to combat the drug trade through enhanced enforcement measures, intelligence sharing, interagency coordination, and public awareness campaigns. These initiatives aim to disrupt drug supply chains, apprehend key players involved in the drug trade, and provide rehabilitation and treatment options for individuals struggling with drug addiction.
There have been several notable historical drug operations in India aimed at combating drug trafficking and curbing the illicit drug trade. Here are a few examples:
Operation Cocaine (1993): The Indian authorities launched Operation Cocaine, a major operation targeting international drug cartels involved in smuggling cocaine into India. This operation resulted in the seizure of a significant quantity of cocaine and led to the arrest of numerous individuals involved in the drug trade.
Operation Milap (2007): Operation Milap was a joint operation conducted by the Indian intelligence agencies and law enforcement authorities. The operation targeted drug traffickers operating in the border regions of Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. It led to the seizure of a large quantity of narcotics, including heroin, and the dismantling of several drug networks.
Operation Cocaine II (2013): Operation Cocaine II was initiated to combat the trafficking of cocaine from South America to India. This operation involved close coordination between Indian agencies, as well as international counterparts, and resulted in the seizure of a substantial amount of cocaine, leading to the disruption of several drug smuggling networks.
Operation Golden Triangle (2016): Operation Golden Triangle was launched to target the illicit drug trade originating from the Golden Triangle region, encompassing areas of Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand. This operation aimed to intercept drug consignments and dismantle drug syndicates operating along the northeastern borders of India. The operation led to significant seizures of drugs like heroin and the arrest of several key drug traffickers.
Operation Thunderbolt (2018): Operation Thunderbolt was a joint operation conducted by Indian agencies in collaboration with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This operation focused on targeting international drug trafficking networks involved in smuggling drugs like heroin, methamphetamine, and synthetic opioids. The operation resulted in the seizure of substantial amounts of narcotics and the arrest of several individuals involved in the drug trade.
These historical drug operations highlight the proactive approach taken by Indian authorities to combat drug trafficking and disrupt the illegal drug trade networks operating within the country. Through such operations, the Indian government aims to safeguard public health, promote societal well-being, and maintain law and order by curbing drug-related crimes.
