Drugs worth Rs 425 crore have been seized from Iranian Boat along Gujarat Coastline.
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Drugs Seized along Gujarat Coastline
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has intercepted an Iranian boat with five crew members in Indian waters at the Arabian Sea off Gujarat. The boat was found to be carrying 61 kilograms of drugs worth Rs425 crores, based on an intelligence input by ATS Gujarat. The ICG deployed two Fast Patrol class ships, ICGS Meera Behn and ICGS Abheek, for patrolling the Arabian Sea, following the intelligence input.
During the dark hours, a boat was observed moving suspiciously in Indian waters approx. 340 km (190 miles) off the Okha coast. On being challenged by ICG ships, the boat started evasive maneuvering. The boat was chased and forced to stop by ICG ships. The boat was found to be an Iranian boat with five crew of Iranian nationality. During the investigation by the ICG boarding team, the crew was found to be behaving suspiciously.
Approximately 61 kilograms of narcotics worth Rs425 crores were found in the boat after extensive rummaging. This is not the first time the Indian Coast Guard has made such a bust. In coordination with ATS, the Indian Coast Guard has apprehended eight foreign vessels and seized 407 kilograms of narcotics worth Rs2,355 crores.
The boat along with the crew has been apprehended and is being brought to Okha for further investigation. The Indian Coast Guard has been vigilant in monitoring Indian waters for any illegal activity and will continue to do so to keep the nation safe from such illegal activities.
Other instances
There have been several instances of drugs being found along the Indian coastline. The Indian Coast Guard and other law enforcement agencies have been active in intercepting and apprehending drug traffickers who attempt to smuggle drugs into the country through the sea route.
In addition to the recent bust of an Iranian boat with 61 kilograms of drugs worth Rs 425 crores in the Arabian Sea off Gujarat, there have been several other similar incidents. In September 2020, the Indian Coast Guard intercepted a Sri Lankan boat with 100 kilograms of heroin and 20 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine worth ₹1,000 crores off the coast of Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu.
In another incident in January 2021, the Indian Coast Guard seized a boat with 12 crew members carrying 200 kilograms of drugs worth Rs600 crores off the Gujarat coast. These are just a few examples of the proactive efforts of the Indian Coast Guard in keeping the nation safe from drug trafficking through the sea route.
Measures to curb drug smuggling
The Indian government has been taking strict measures to prevent drug trafficking, and the Indian Coast Guard has been playing a vital role in intercepting and seizing drugs along the Indian coastline. The efforts of the Indian Coast Guard and other law enforcement agencies are commendable, and their vigilance and proactive actions have helped to prevent drug trafficking to a great extent.
There are several laws and regulations in place to curb drug dealing along the Indian coastline. The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) is a comprehensive law that deals with drug trafficking and drug abuse in India. The law was enacted in 1985 and has been amended several times since then to make it more effective.
Under the NDPS Act, possession, sale, purchase, transport, and consumption of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances are punishable offenses. The punishment for drug trafficking includes imprisonment and fines, depending on the number of drugs involved. The law also provides for the forfeiture of property used in drug trafficking.
The Indian Coast Guard Act, of 1978, provides the legal framework for the Indian Coast Guard to carry out its duties and responsibilities. The Act empowers the Indian Coast Guard to intercept and search vessels suspected of carrying drugs or contraband along the Indian coastline. The Indian Coast Guard has been playing a crucial role in intercepting and apprehending drug traffickers along the Indian coastline.
The Customs Act, of 1962, is another law that is used to prevent drug trafficking. The Act empowers the customs department to seize and confiscate contraband, including drugs, imported into the country. The department has been proactive in intercepting drug shipments at ports and airports across the country.
In conclusion, the Indian government has been taking several measures to curb drug dealing along the Indian coastline. The laws and regulations in place, along with the efforts of law enforcement agencies, have been effective in preventing drug trafficking to a great extent. However, there is still a need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to ensure that drug trafficking does not pose a threat to the nation’s security and well-being.
