New Delhi: In a commendable display of joint operational prowess, the Indian Navy and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) successfully carried out a coordinated operation at sea, leading to the apprehension of a suspicious vessel carrying a substantial amount of contraband. The apprehended vessel was found to be transporting almost 3300 kilograms of illegal substances, including 3089 kilograms of Charas, 158 kilograms of Methamphetamine, and 25 kilograms of Morphine.
The operation unfolded based on intelligence gathered by the Indian Navy’s maritime surveillance aircraft, which was then corroborated with inputs from the NCB. In response to the received intelligence, an Indian Navy warship on a mission was swiftly deployed to intercept a suspicious dhow en route to Indian waters with a significant quantity of contraband.
The Indian Navy units successfully located, tracked, and intercepted the suspicious vessel at sea. Boarding operations conducted on the dhow resulted in the largest seizure of narcotics in recent times, both in terms of quantity and value. Subsequently, the vessel was towed by the Indian Navy warship to the nearest Indian port for the crew and contraband to be handed over to law enforcement agencies.
The operation holds significant importance, not only due to the sheer quantity and value of the seized contraband but also because it underscores the effective collaboration between the Indian Navy and the NCB. The focus of this joint effort is to disrupt illegal narcotics smuggling routes, particularly those emanating from the Makran coast and flowing towards various countries in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
This successful coordinated mission reaffirms the unwavering commitment and resolve of the Indian Navy in preventing the seas from being exploited for illegal activities, especially in India’s maritime neighborhood. The collaborative efforts between the Indian Navy and the NCB highlight the proactive approach taken by the authorities to tackle the menace of narcotics smuggling, contributing to the overall security and well-being of the region.