India seized ₹11,311 crore in drugs from ports

The Indian government has reported that over ₹11,311 crore worth of drugs were seized from seaports in the last five years. This information was shared by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in response to a question in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. In total, there were 19 major drug busts during this period. The largest seizure happened at Adani Port in Gujarat, where 2,988 kg of heroin valued at ₹5,976 crore was found in September 2021. Another significant seizure involved 303 kg of cocaine worth ₹1,515 crore, which was discovered at VOC Port in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, in April 2021. Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai stated that these successful operations highlight the effective collaboration between various law enforcement agencies. He mentioned the roles of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), the Indian Navy, and the Indian Coast Guard in controlling drug trafficking. Rai also noted that constant vigilance is maintained at ports and waterways by multiple agencies, including Customs and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). This coordinated effort aims to prevent the illicit transport of narcotics in India. Additionally, the National Security Council Secretariat is working with other agencies to implement a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for better coordination in anti-smuggling operations. This SOP seeks to improve joint efforts in tackling the smuggling of contraband goods. Of the 19 drug busts, eight were reported from Maharashtra, eight from Gujarat, two from West Bengal, and one from Tamil Nadu. Recently, authorities uncovered connections to a major cartel linked to a gangster based in Karachi, who is reportedly responsible for large drug shipments via the Arabian Sea.