Five Iranian crew members of drug haul boat on seven-day remand
After the medical examinations of each crew member, they appeared in court
Updated: Mar 1st, 2024
Recently, in a major joint operation, the Indian Navy and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) seized 3,100 kg of drugs worth over ₹1,000 cr mid-ocean near Porbandar.
A total of five Iranian crew members who were arrested from the boat of drug haul were remanded in the seven-day custody of the Porbandar NCB.
After the medical examinations of each crew member, they appeared in court on Feb 29.
The court heard both sides, and it was highlighted that the crew members did not have any equipment for fishing or their identity cards. In the primary reports, it was revealed that these crew members were smuggling drugs, disguising themselves as fishermen.
Further investigations of crew members are underway.
Gujarat’s coastal borders, particularly the Kutch and Porbandar regions, face frequent cross-border smuggling due to their proximity to international seaways. Illegal consignments are often trafficked through these sea routes.
A suspicious dhow (boat) carrying 3,100 kg of contraband, including 3,089 charas, 158 kg of methamphetamine, and 25 kg of morphine, was apprehended, according to the Indian Navy, on Feb 27.
This quantity of narcotics has been dubbed the largest seizure in recent times.
The boat was successfully intercepted by diverting an Indian Navy’s mission-deployed warship based on inputs from P8I LRMR aircraft on surveillance.
The boat entered the international sea near Porbandar and was destined to reach the south of India.
Taking to his social media handle, home minister Amit Shah applauded the operation of the NCB, the Navy, and the Gujarat police today.
Also Read:
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80 kg drugs worth ₹800 cr seized from Kutch, Karachi connection suspected
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