Over the past five years, Indian law enforcement agencies have seized drugs worth more than ₹11,311 crore from seaports across the country. These seizures, spread over 19 major busts, underscore the increasing challenge of curbing narcotics smuggling through maritime routes. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) revealed these figures in response to a query in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi had inquired about the trend of drug seizures at ports in recent years. In a written reply, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai confirmed a significant number of drug interceptions, attributing these successes to enhanced vigilance and coordinated operations by multiple enforcement agencies.
One of the largest drug hauls occurred at Adani Port, SEZ Mundra in Gujarat on September 19, 2021. Authorities seized 2,988 kg of heroin, valued at ₹5,976 crore, marking the most significant single bust in recent history. Another major case was reported on April 20, 2021, at VOC Port in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, where officials confiscated 303 kg of cocaine worth ₹1,515 crore.
Rai credited these successes to the collaborative efforts of central and state law enforcement bodies, including the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and Customs authorities. He emphasized that these agencies maintain strict surveillance over ports and waterways to prevent narcotics smuggling into India. He further stated that NCB regularly coordinates joint operations with the Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Police to dismantle drug trafficking networks.
To enhance inter-agency cooperation, the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) has developed a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on Maritime Security Coordination for anti-smuggling operations. This SOP aims to improve coordination among various departments and ministries involved in tackling smuggling activities, particularly concerning narcotics and other contraband goods.
Among the 19 reported drug seizure cases, Maharashtra recorded eight incidents at JNPT, Navi Mumbai, and CFS Raigarh. Gujarat also reported eight cases at Adani Port, CFS Mundra, Pipavav Port, and CFS Gandhidham. West Bengal’s Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port accounted for two cases, while Tamil Nadu’s VOC Port in Tuticorin reported one case.
In the past two years alone, the NCB, in collaboration with the Coast Guard and other agencies, has cracked seven significant drug trafficking cases linked to marine routes. Investigations indicate that Karachi-based gangster Haji Salim is the mastermind behind one of the largest cartels smuggling drugs into India and the wider South Asian region via the Arabian Sea. These drugs are often transported in bulk from ports in Pakistan and Iran before being transferred to smaller ships at international maritime borders.
The surge in drug busts underscores the need for stringent maritime security measures and inter-agency coordination to curb narcotics smuggling. Authorities continue to enhance their surveillance efforts, aiming to dismantle organized networks responsible for trafficking illicit substances into India.
