In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, approximately 700 kg of methamphetamine was seized in a joint operation conducted by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), the Indian Navy, and the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad off the coast of Porbandar, Gujarat. This operation took place on November 15, 2024, based on actionable intelligence that prompted authorities to mobilize maritime patrol assets.
During the operation, authorities arrested eight individuals who claimed to be Iranian nationals. The NCB has classified methamphetamine, commonly referred to as meth, as a highly potent and illegal narcotic drug, raising concerns over the international drug trade’s impact on Indian society.
The operation, dubbed ‘Sagar Manthan-4,’ reportedly involved the identification and interdiction of a vessel believed to be associated with the illegal drug trade. The successful operation underscores the coordinated efforts of various governmental agencies in combatting drug trafficking in the region.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the collaborative effort, stating that the operation exemplifies the government’s dedication to creating a drug-free India. He emphasized the seamless coordination among agencies as crucial in dismantling the international drug trafficking cartel. In a tweet, Shah highlighted the government’s commitment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a drug-free Bharat, showcasing the operation as a significant achievement in their ongoing fight against drug smuggling.
This incident has also sparked political debates, with the opposition, particularly the Congress party, alleging that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government has turned Gujarat into a hub for drug traffickers from Pakistan. The issue of drug trafficking has become increasingly pertinent, drawing attention to the need for more stringent measures and international cooperation to combat this ongoing challenge.
