Massive Drug Bust: 700 Kgs of Meth Seized, 8 Iranian Nationals Arrested Off Gujarat Coast

Massive Drug Bust: On Friday, November 15, anti-narcotics agencies successfully seized about 700 kilograms of Methamphetamine (commonly known as meth) and arrested eight Iranian nationals off the Gujarat coast. The operation codenamed Sagar Manthan-4, was launched based on intelligence inputs, which led to the identification of a suspicious vessel. The Indian Navy, utilizing its maritime patrol assets, intercepted and seized the drugs, marking a significant victory in the fight against drug trafficking.

Collaboration Between Agencies

The operation was a joint effort by multiple agencies, including the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), the Indian Navy, and the Gujarat Police’s Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS). The successful bust highlights the seamless coordination among these agencies in tackling the threat posed by international drug trafficking.

In alignment with our vision for a drug-free Bharat, NCB successfully dismantled an international drug trafficking cartel today, seizing approximately 700 kg of meth in Gujarat. This joint operation with the Indian Navy and Gujarat Police exemplifies our unwavering commitment and… pic.twitter.com/tHFxaFietQ

— NCB INDIA (@narcoticsbureau) November 15, 2024

Union Home Minister’s Response

Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the operation, calling it a “stellar example” of the government’s commitment to countering the drug menace. In a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Shah wrote, “Pursuing PM Shri @narendramodi Ji's vision for a drug-free Bharat, our agencies today busted an international drug trafficking cartel and seized over approx. 700 kg of contraband meth in Gujarat.” He also expressed that the operation showcased the strong coordination among various agencies to achieve this success.

Pursuing PM Shri @narendramodi Ji's vision for a drug-free Bharat, our agencies today busted an international drug trafficking cartel and seized over approx. 700 kg of contraband meth in Gujarat. The joint operation carried out by the NCB, Indian Navy, and Gujarat Police stands…

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 15, 2024

Investigation and International Cooperation

The investigation into the drug syndicate is ongoing. The NCB is working to uncover both the backward and forward linkages of the trafficking network. To assist in the investigation, foreign Drug Law Enforcement Agencies (DLEA) are being contacted for cooperation and support.

Operation ‘Sagar Manthan’

Operation Sagar Manthan was launched earlier this year by the NCB to counter the growing threat of maritime drug trafficking. The operation brought together a special team of NCB officers, along with officials from the Indian Navy, the Indian Coast Guard, and the ATS of Gujarat Police, to target illicit drug trade across Indian territorial waters. Since its launch,

Sagar Manthan has led to the seizure of around 3,400 kilograms of various narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. In addition to the recent arrests of the eight Iranian nationals, earlier operations under Sagar Manthan resulted in the arrest of 11 Iranian nationals and 14 Pakistani nationals, all of whom are currently in jail awaiting trial. Also read: Maharashtra Elections: Amit Shah's Helicopter Checked by Election Commission Officials

SUMMARY

On November 15, 2024, a major drug bust occurred off the Gujarat coast when anti-narcotics agencies seized 700 kilograms of methamphetamine and arrested eight Iranian nationals. The operation, called Sagar Manthan-4, was launched based on intelligence and involved the Indian Navy, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), and the Gujarat Police Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS). Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the operation as a strong example of coordination among government agencies to combat drug trafficking. The NCB is investigating the drug syndicate with the help of international Drug Law Enforcement Agencies. Since the launch of Operation Sagar Manthan earlier this year, over 3,400 kilograms of narcotics have been seized, and several foreign nationals, including Iranians and Pakistanis, have been arrested. This operation highlights India's ongoing efforts to curb maritime drug trafficking and protect national security.