What Does the Coast Guard's Seizure of 5 Tonnes of Drugs in Andaman Waters Mean for Drug Trafficking in the Region?

The Indian Coast Guard on Monday seized five tonnes of drugs from a fishing boat in the Bay of Bengal near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. According to the defence officials, this is likely to be one of its biggest drug busts. 

"The Indian Coast Guard has apprehended a huge consignment of around five tons of drugs from a fishing boat in the Andaman waters. This is likely to be the biggest ever drug haul by the Indian Coast Guard ever. More details awaited," said defence officials.

This bust is the latest in a series of actions taken by anti-narcotics agencies targeting drug smuggling rackets and cartels.

Earlier this month, the anti-narcotics agencies seized about 700 kilograms of methamphetamine and arrested eight Iranian nationals in Indian waters off the Gujarat coast. The operation, called "Sagar Manthan-4," was based on intelligence inputs, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) said in a statement. The Navy identified and intercepted the vessel using maritime patrol assets.

The operation was conducted jointly by the NCB, the Navy, and the Gujarat Police Anti-Terrorist Squad.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah described the drug seizure as an example of the government's commitment and the coordination among its agencies. "The back-to-back major breakthroughs against illegal drugs in a single day demonstrate the Modi government's unwavering resolve to build a drug-free Bharat. The NCB today confiscated 82.53 kg of high-grade cocaine in New Delhi," he tweeted.

"Uncovering the Coast Guard's Biggest Drug Bust: How Do They Tackle Drug Trafficking on the High Seas?"

This year, anti-narcotics agencies have seized 3,500 kilograms of drugs transported through maritime routes and arrested 11 Iranians and 14 Pakistanis in three cases. The foreign nationals remain in jail awaiting trial, the NCB said.