New Delhi: The Narcotic Control Bureau (NCB) and the Indian Navy have detained a suspected Pakistani national and seized 2,500 kg of "high-purity methamphetamine" from Indian waters, which is estimated to be worth Rs 12,000 crore in the illegal drugs market. This is one of the largest drug seizures in recent times.
According to the NCB, the methamphetamine seized was sourced from the “Death Crescent”, comprising Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan. This was the first time an Indian agency had detained a "mother ship" transporting drugs, according to the agency, Indian Express reported.
According to the NCB, the Navy's intelligence branch received information regarding the movement of a "mother ship" transporting significant amounts of methamphetamine from Pakistan's Makran coast in Balochistan. According to the agency, these mother ships typically transport significant amounts of illegal narcotics and distribute them to vessels along the route.
“Assets were mobilised and a close watch over the input was maintained by the team,” according to the release. “The continuous intelligence collection and analysis resulted in identification of a highly probable route that the mother ship would take for distribution of contraband. An Indian Naval Ship was deployed in the vicinity. Based on this input, a large sea-going vessel was intercepted by the Navy. Methamphetamine, concealed in 134 sacks, was recovered from the ship.”
The NCB reported that a speed boat "which was occupied by a Pakistan national" was intercepted. The seized drugs, the Pakistani national, the intercepted boat, and some other goods retrieved from the ship were transported to Mattancherry wharf in Kochi by the Navy on Saturday. They were given to the NCB for further action.