In a significant blow to narcotics smuggling operations, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Mandapam, in a joint operation with the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Chennai, successfully intercepted and seized 99 kilograms of Hashish with an estimated value of Rs 108 crores from a country boat sailing towards Sri Lanka in the Gulf of Mannar on March 5, 2024.
The operation was initiated based on specific intelligence inputs developed by the officers of the DRI Chennai Zonal Unit, indicating a plan by a smuggling gang to transport narcotics substances from India to Sri Lanka via the coastal route near Mandapam sea coast.
Responding swiftly to the intelligence, officers from the DRI and the Indian Coast Guard launched a coordinated surveillance operation over the Gulf of Mannar aboard an Indian Coast Guard Ship during the intervening night of March 4th and 5th, 2024.
Their vigilance paid off when they identified a country boat heading towards Sri Lanka during the surveillance. Without hesitation, the officers intercepted the vessel after a brief but intense pursuit on the high seas.
Upon boarding and searching the country boat, officers discovered five sacks concealed inside. Suspecting foul play, they immediately brought the vessel, along with its cargo and the three individuals on board, to the Indian Coast Guard Station Mandapam for further investigation.
During questioning, the individuals confessed that they had received the bags containing narcotics from an unidentified person in the Pamban Coastal area. They admitted to being instructed to transport the contraband to rendezvous with unknown individuals from Sri Lanka at a predetermined location in the deep sea.
A meticulous examination of the seized sacks revealed a total of 111 packets, weighing a staggering 99 kilograms in total. The packets contained a brown, sticky substance which, upon testing with a field testing kit, was confirmed to be Hashish, a highly potent narcotic substance with a significant international market value.
Acting swiftly and decisively, all four individuals involved in the smuggling attempt were apprehended for further investigation under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
The successful interception and seizure of such a large quantity of narcotics underscore the unwavering commitment of the Indian Coast Guard and the DRI Chennai to combatting drug smuggling activities in the region.
This operation serves as a stern warning to criminal elements involved in narcotics trafficking, reaffirming the authorities’ determination to uphold law and order and safeguard national security.
