Indian agencies seize a record of 3,300 kg of narcotics on Wednesday from an Iranian ship near Gujarat’s Porbandar marking it as the largest such drug seizer in recent time. The operation took place in the Arabian Sea along the International Maritime Bombay Line (IMBL) by three Indian agencies, the Navy, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad, and the Narcotics Central Bureau (NCB).
Seized Drug and Its Value
According to NCB, a contraband containing 3,100 kg Charas or Hasish, 158 kg crystal of methamphetamine (meth), and 25 kg morphine, was seized from the boat, which had the stamp of ‘Ras Amad Goods Co, produced of Pakistan’.
There is no standard for calculating the cost or value of drugs it varies depending on many factors such as quality, volume, region, demand, and supply links. However, roughly the international price of Charas or Hashish is Rs 5-10 lakh per kg, and both meth and morphine are Rs 2-5 crore per kg, as per NCB.
Arrest of Five Foreign Nationals
Five foreign Nationals were arrested in connection with the seizure and are believed to be either Pakistani or Iranian nationals. However, their nationality is not confirmed by official documents.
The drugs were found on board a vessel manned by the five crew members, which were seized after the arrests, and investigations are going on to discover the origin and destination of the seized drugs.
Investigation Continues
The operation was launched after a suspicious dhow (sailing vessel) was spotted at sea near Porbandar by a surveillance aircraft. An Indian Navy ship deployed at sea for two days, to intercept the vessel before it entered Indian territorial waters. 
An investigation continues, it aims to gather more information about arrested crew members, and networks involved in the smuggling of drugs. Authorities also aim to drug trafficking activities and prevent the flow of narcotics into the country.
Largest Drug Seizure
The seizure is the largest in the Indian subcontinent with an estimated international market value exceeding Rs 2,000 crore. The seizure and the arrest a major successes in the fight against drug trafficking networks.
The Last Big seizure from the high sea was of 2,000 kg in May 2023 by NCB and Kerala coast navy.
As per reports, Before this massive drug bust, a staggering 1,100 kgs of mephedrone also known as ‘Meow Meow’ was seized in a day raid across Pune and New Delhi worth Rs 25,00 crore. In Pune, 700 kgs of mephedrone was seized and In Delhi, 400 kgs of illegal drug was found.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s response
Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulating NCB, Navy and Gujarat Police said, “Pursuing PM Modi Ji’s vision of a drug-free Bharat our agencies today achieved the grand success of making the biggest offshore seizure of drugs in the nation. The historic success is a testament to our government’s unwavering commitment to making our nation drug-free.”
Also READ : Assam to repeal Muslim Marriage and Divorces Registration Act in a step towards UCC
