Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is a maritime armed force operating under the Ministry of Defence. It works with other Union agencies, institutions, and authorities to safeguard the maritime interests of India- Assisting vessels and fishermen in distress and protecting the maritime environment.
The Indian Coast Guard on Monday seized a huge consignment of around five tonnes of drugs from a fishing boat in the Bay of Bengal near Andaman and Nicobar Islands, said officials.
Defence officials said that this is likely to be the biggest drug haul by the Indian Coast Guard ever, reported.
Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) said that under the code name Sagar Manthan- 4 was launched. The operation was launched based on intelligence inputs. The vessel was identified and intercepted by the maritime patrol units.
Indian Coast Guard intercepted a fishing boat in the Bay of Bengal near Andaman and Nicobar Islands after a tip-off. They seized approximately 6000 kilograms of methamphetamine, a narcotic. Six Myanmar nationals were arrested. Officials believe the drugs packaged in 3000 kg packets were destined for India and neighboring countries. This represents the largest drug bust in the Coast Guard history. The packets of narcotics are worth several crores of rupees on the international market.
It is the most recent successful operation against drug trafficking in India, and as the drug trade grows, more and more actions by Indian authorities are being observed. The fishing trawler moved from the seacoast off Barren Island, prompting the Coast Guard to respond. A fast patrol team arrived on the scene right away, and they towed the vessel to Port Blair for a thorough investigation.
The operation was carried out jointly by the NCB, Navy, and Gujarat Police Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS).
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Dr. Swati Sharma/MSM)
