In a joint operation by the Anti-terrorist Squad (ATS) and the Indian Coast Guard (ICJ) methamphetamine, or crystal meth as it is called, was seized. It has been reported that the substance is valued at 1,800 crore and is approximately 311 kg. The ATS officers said that the consignment was smuggled from Pakistan and was going to Tamil Nadu, through the Arabian Sea, where the smugglers were caught dumping it into the waters just 2 nautical miles before the IMBL line.
After dumping the waste, the smugglers have been reported to have crossed into the boundaries of Pakistan. Gujrat’s ATC DIG Sunil Joshi said that the team received a tip that a boat had left from Pasni port in Pakistan with the meth will be delivering the drugs to a boat near India’s maritime border, upon receiving the information, it was immediately shared it with the on-duty coast guards on the nights of April 12-13.
Pakistan is part of the “Golden Crescent”, which includes Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan and is infamous for illegal drug smuggling.
311 sealed packets, each with 1 kg of crystal meth have been seized in the operation. They were kept in blue packets by the smugglers to ensure that they floated in the sea and were recovered later, the ICG stated. DIG Joshi said that the smuggling is suspected by a Pakistan-based smuggler called “Fidaa”. He further stated that it was the same person who was involved in the 2024 smuggling of Hashish worth 73 crores in India, which was also seized by the officers. The team has taken quick action, and without delay, the consignment was seized. Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the ATC and ICG staff, congratulating them on their quick and stringent action, which saved the illegal entry of drugs into India’s borders.
