In a significant anti-narcotics operation, Indian agencies seized approximately 700 kilograms of methamphetamine and detained eight Iranian nationals in Indian waters off the Gujarat coast on Friday, November 15. The operation, named ‘Sagar Manthan – 4,’ was launched following intelligence reports, according to a statement from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).
The NCB worked jointly with the Indian Navy and Gujarat Police Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) to intercept a suspected vessel, deploying the Navy’s maritime patrol assets for the task. Union Home Minister Amit Shah commended the coordinated effort, describing it as a “stellar example of the government’s dedication to realizing a drug-free India” in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.
“Pursuing PM Shri @narendramodi Ji’s vision for a drug-free Bharat, our agencies today dismantled an international drug trafficking ring and seized over 700 kg of meth in Gujarat,” Shah stated on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
The NCB revealed that investigations are underway to trace the broader network behind this syndicate, including collaboration with international Drug Law Enforcement Agencies (DLEAs). Operation ‘Sagar Manthan,’ initiated earlier this year, brought together officers from the NCB, Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and Gujarat ATS to counter the threat of maritime drug trafficking.
In alignment with our vision for a drug-free Bharat, NCB successfully dismantled an international drug trafficking cartel today, seizing approximately 700 kg of meth in Gujarat. This joint operation with the Indian Navy and Gujarat Police exemplifies our unwavering commitment and… pic.twitter.com/tHFxaFietQ
— NCB INDIA (@narcoticsbureau) November 15, 2024
This ongoing series of operations has led to the seizure of around 3,400 kilograms of various narcotics and psychotropic substances and the arrests of 11 Iranian and 14 Pakistani nationals. All suspects are currently detained pending trial, according to reports.