Anti-narcotics agencies conducted a joint operation off the Gujarat coast, seizing about 700 kg of drugs and arresting eight Iranian nationals. The operation, called Sagar Manthan-4, was carried out by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Indian Navy, and Gujarat Police Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS).

The NCB said the operation started based on information they received. The Navy found a suspicious ship in Indian waters and stopped it using patrol boats. Onboard, they found a large amount of methamphetamine and arrested eight foreign nationals who said they were from Iran.

In a statement on its official X account, the NCB expressed the success of the operation, stating: "Today's operation marks a significant stride towards a drug-free Bharat! With the combined efforts of NCB, the Indian Navy, and Gujarat Police, we've successfully dismantled an international drug trafficking cartel and seized around 700 kg of meth. Together, we stand stronger in our mission."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the operation, calling it a milestone in the fight against drug trafficking. In his official post on X, he wrote, “Narendra Modi Ji's vision for a drug-free Bharat, our agencies today busted an international drug trafficking cartel and seized over approx. 700 kg of contraband meth in Gujarat. The joint operation carried out by the NCB, Indian Navy, and Gujarat Police stands out as a stellar example of our commitment to the vision as well as the seamless coordination among our agencies in achieving the same. My heartiest congratulations to the agencies on this landmark breakthrough.”

Operation "Sagar-Manthan"

Operation "Sagar-Manthan" started earlier this year by the NCB. It involved a team of NCB officers, along with officers from the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and Gujarat Police ATS, to stop drug smuggling by sea.

Several operations have been done together with the Navy and Coast Guard. So far, about 3400 kg of illegal drugs have been seized. In these operations, 11 Iranian nationals and 14 Pakistani nationals were arrested, and they are now in jail waiting for their trial.