Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, has extended his congratulations to Indian security agencies for their successful operation in busting an international drug trafficking cartel. The operation led to the seizure of approximately 700 kg of methamphetamine in Gujarat, marking a significant victory in the fight against narcotics.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Amit Shah highlighted that the operation was a direct outcome of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a drug-free India. He praised the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), the Indian Navy, and the Gujarat Police for their exceptional coordination in carrying out the operation. Shah expressed his gratitude to the agencies for their efforts in preventing the distribution of such harmful substances within India.
The operation, codenamed “SAGAR-MANTHAN-4”, involved intelligence gathering and a coordinated response by the NCB, Navy, and Gujarat Police. A vessel carrying the illegal drug consignment was intercepted in Indian territorial waters. The vessel, which lacked proper registration and an Automatic Identification System (AIS), was identified based on a tip-off about its illicit cargo. Eight foreign nationals, reportedly Iranians, were found on the vessel without any identification documents.
This successful interception on November 15, 2024, is part of a broader effort to counter maritime drug trafficking, which threatens national security. The operation exemplifies inter-agency cooperation, with each participating agency playing a critical role in the success of the mission.
The NCB had launched Operation “SAGAR-MANTHAN” earlier this year to address the growing maritime trafficking of illicit drugs. In coordination with the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and ATS Gujarat Police, this initiative has led to the seizure of approximately 3,400 kg of narcotics so far, including various psychotropic substances. The operation has also resulted in the arrest of 11 Iranian nationals and 14 Pakistani nationals, who are currently in custody, awaiting trial.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that these operations are vital steps toward realizing the vision of a Nasha Mukt Bharat (Drug-Free India) by 2047. To strengthen the country’s law enforcement capabilities in tackling drug trafficking, the Union Government has recently created 111 new positions in the NCB, including senior roles at the SP level, in addition to 425 positions established in the past two years.
The success of this operation underscores India’s zero-tolerance policy towards drug trafficking, and the government remains committed to eradicating the menace of illegal drugs from the country, safeguarding the well-being of its citizens, and ensuring a safer future for generations to come.
