The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) achieved significant breakthroughs in its anti-drug operations on Friday, seizing high-value narcotics in separate busts in Delhi and Gujarat. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the NCB confiscated 82.53 kilogrammes of high-grade cocaine worth Rs 900 crore in the national capital.
“The back-to-back major breakthroughs against illegal drugs in a single day demonstrate the Modi government’s unwavering resolve to build a drug-free Bharat,” he wrote on X. “The massive drug consignment was tracked down using a bottom-to-top approach after a quantity of drugs was seized in a courier centre in Delhi. Our hunt against drug rackets will continue ruthlessly. Congratulations to the NCB on this major success,” Shah added.
The back-to-back major breakthroughs against illegal drugs in a single day demonstrate the Modi government’s unwavering resolve to build a drug-free Bharat. The NCB today confiscated 82.53 kg of high-grade cocaine in New Delhi. The massive drug consignment worth approximately Rs…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 15, 2024
In a post, the NCB stated, “This achievement is a result of thorough efforts and leads from previous operations in March and August 2024. With two key operatives arrested, NCB is dedicated to combating drug trafficking and fostering collaboration with other agencies.”
In line with Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of a DRUG FREE INDIA, and under the guidance of Hon’ble UHM, NCB has made a major breakthrough by seizing 82.53 Kg of high-grade Cocaine in Delhi NCR. This achievement is a result of thorough efforts and leads from previous operations… https://t.co/Ru49OSrX6d
— NCB INDIA (@narcoticsbureau) November 15, 2024
Investigations revealed that the drug syndicate was run by an overseas group, and a portion of the cocaine was intended for Australia via courier or small cargo services, Hindustan Times reported the NCB as informing. The operation uncovered that those involved were mostly ‘hawala operators,’ who remained anonymous, using pseudonyms for drug dealings.
700 Kg Of Methamphetamine Seized Off Gujarat Coast
Earlier, a joint anti-narcotics operation led to the seizure of approximately 700 kg of methamphetamine from Indian waters near Porbandar, Gujarat. The street value of the seized meth is estimated between Rs 2,500 and Rs 3,500 crore, officials said. The operation, codenamed ‘Sagar Manthan-4,’ was based on intelligence about an unregistered vessel without an automatic identification system entering Indian waters with drugs.
The Navy identified and intercepted the suspicious boat using maritime patrol assets, resulting in the seizure and arrest of eight foreign nationals, who claim to be Iranian but possess no identity documents. The NCB, Navy, and Gujarat Police Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) collaborated in the operation.
A Navy spokesperson described it as the second major anti-narcotics maritime operation this year, emphasising the Navy’s commitment to ensuring maritime safety and preventing the illicit use of the seas. Amit Shah praised the effort, calling it “a stellar example of seamless coordination among our agencies.” He said, “Pursuing PM Shri @narendramodi Ji’s vision for a drug-free Bharat, our agencies busted an international drug trafficking cartel and seized over 700 kg of contraband meth in Gujarat.”
The NCB disclosed that, in total, 3,500 kg of drugs trafficked via the maritime route have been seized this year, resulting in the arrest of 11 Iranians and 14 Pakistanis, all of whom are in jail awaiting trial. The agency reiterated its commitment to eradicating drug trafficking and achieving a ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ (drugs-free India) by 2047.
To bolster these efforts, the Union government has created 111 new posts within the NCB, including five superintendent-level roles, in addition to 425 posts sanctioned over the last two years.
