In a significant operation, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) intercepted a vessel en route to the Maldives, seizing nearly 30 kilograms of hashish oil worth ₹33 crore. The operation, carried out on March 7, 2025, marked a crucial success in curbing narcotics smuggling along India’s southern maritime borders.
The operation began with specific intelligence developed by the DRI, which pointed to a tug vessel towing a barge filled with rock boulders that had set sail from Tuticorin Old Port. Investigations revealed that a smuggling gang, operating out of Tuticorin, had clandestinely loaded a large quantity of hashish oil onto the vessel mid-sea with the assistance of one of its crew members.
Acting on this intelligence, the Indian Coast Guard swiftly moved into action. On March 5, 2025, the vessel was intercepted off the Kanyakumari coast and escorted back to Tuticorin New Port by March 7. Authorities then conducted an extensive search of the barge, leading to the discovery of two bags containing 29 plastic packets camouflaged as food products. Upon closer examination and field testing, the packets were confirmed to contain hashish oil, a highly potent cannabis extract.
The enforcement agencies also managed to apprehend three individuals linked to the smuggling operation. Among them was the person responsible for placing the contraband on the vessel, his accomplice, and the crew member who provided the gang with critical navigational details to facilitate the transfer. All three have been arrested and remanded to judicial custody as of March 8, 2025.
This operation underscores the growing threat of narcotics trafficking through maritime routes and highlights the relentless efforts of Indian enforcement agencies to combat it. The success of this mid-sea interception reflects the strong coordination between the DRI and the ICG in safeguarding India’s borders against illegal drug trade.
