Amit Shah Reaffirms India's Stance Against Drugs
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Synopsis
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reasserted the commitment of the Modi government to eliminate drug trafficking networks. He praised the recent seizure of Rs 1,800 crore worth of narcotics in the Arabian Sea, highlighting the success of the Gujarat Police ATS and the Indian Coast Guard in this operation.
Key Takeaways
- Amit Shah emphasizes commitment to a drug-free Bharat.
- Recent seizure of Rs 1,800 crore worth of narcotics.
- Joint operation by Gujarat ATS and Indian Coast Guard.
- Intelligence-driven approach to drug interdiction.
- Punjab leads in drug trafficking cases in 2022.
New Delhi, April 14 (NationPress) Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized the commitment of the Narendra Modi administration to eliminate drug trafficking networks with unwavering resolve. He commended the recent seizure of narcotics valued at Rs 1,800 crore by enforcement authorities in the Arabian Sea.
In a message posted on the social media platform X, HM Shah celebrated the significant achievement of seizing 300 kg of drugs near the international maritime border, stating, “In our relentless effort to create a drug-free Bharat, this remarkable milestone was accomplished.”
He added, “This operation at sea stands as a testament to the success of the Modi government’s comprehensive strategy against the menace of narcotics. Kudos to the Gujarat Police ATS and the Indian Coast Guard for this exceptional success.”
On Saturday, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and the Indian Coast Guard intercepted and confiscated over 300 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine, estimated to be worth Rs 1,800 crore, in the Arabian Sea close to the Indian Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).
The collaborative operation took place in the early hours of April 13, following intelligence reports about suspicious activities off the Gujarat coast, an area increasingly becoming a critical front in India’s battle against drugs.
As per an official statement from the Indian Coast Guard, the operation involved a quick-response patrol vessel that approached the suspected site after receiving alerts from central intelligence agencies.
Upon noticing the swiftly approaching security vessel, the smugglers -- thought to be operating a fishing boat from international waters -- disposed of the drug-laden cargo into the sea and fled towards the IMBL, likely to evade capture.
Divers and onboard personnel were promptly deployed for a meticulous recovery operation under challenging nighttime conditions, ultimately retrieving multiple large packages believed to contain high-quality methamphetamine.
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reported that in 2022, a total of 38,064 cases were registered across various states for drug trafficking under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
In comparison, 32,302 cases were noted in 2021, while in 2020, there were 26,560 cases.
Punjab recorded the highest number of NDPS cases in 2022, with 7,433 cases, followed by 4,920 cases in Uttar Pradesh and 2,590 cases in Tamil Nadu.
