India Seizes 'Largest Single Haul of Narcotics' to Date on Boat Off West Coast

Indian security agencies have busted a merchant vessel carrying approximately 1500 kilograms of heroin valued at about $646 million on Saturday. Four people have been arrested in the joint operation by the Gujarat anti-terror police and other central intelligence agencies.

New Delhi (Sputnik) — On Sunday, Indian Coast Guard ship Samudra Pavak intercepted and apprehended a merchant vessel off the coast of Gujarat. Agencies detained crew members with a satellite phone which was being used to contact Indian handlers across the state of Gujarat. Initial investigations suggest the consignment was coming from Pakistan and would have been designated to supply to various Indian cities.

“This is the largest single haul of narcotics seized till date,” Indian Coast Guard said in a statement.

Of the arrested persons, two are from Mumbai and two from Kolkata.  Sources told Sputnik that agencies have alerted other state government agencies as well and are expected to arrest some more in the countrywide drugs racket.

Last year, a total of 1675 kg of heroin was seized by agencies across the country. With a view to eradicating the drug menace, Indian government provides assistance to state governments to strengthen their enforcement capabilities for combating illicit trafficking in narcotics drugs and psychotropic substances in dealing with the supply side of the drug menace.