The Navy on Monday seized over 300 kg of narcotics from a fishing vessel in the Arabian Sea estimated to cost ₹3,000 crore in the international market.
“INS Suvarna, whilst on surveillance patrol in the Arabian Sea, encountered a fishing vessel with suspicious movements. To investigate the vessel, the ship’s team conducted boarding and search operation, which led to the seizure of more than 300 kg of narcotics substances,” a Navy statement said. “The boat with its crew have been escorted to the nearest Port of Kochi in Kerala for further investigation.”
The Navy said it was a major catch not only in terms of the quantity and cost but also from the perspective of disruption of the illegal narcotics smuggling routes, which emanate from the Makran coast and flow towards Indian, Maldivian and Sri Lankan destinations.
“Apart from the human costs from drug addiction, the spoils of narcotics trade feed syndicates involved in terrorism, radicalisation and criminal activities,” it added.
