Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 27 November 2024
Andaman & Nicobar Police is investigating the recent seizure of approximately 6,016 kilograms of methamphetamine from a Myanmarese fishing trawler intercepted in the Andaman waters. The case is being examined from various angles, including the possibility of transshipment, logistical challenges of transporting such a large consignment, and potential involvement of local or international drug syndicates.
On 25 November 2024, the Indian Coast Guard’s Regional Headquarters informed the Crime & Economic Offence Police Station about a suspected vessel intercepted by ICG Ship Aruna Asaf Ali. The trawler, manned by six Myanmarese nationals, was suspected of carrying narcotics. It was brought to Sri Vijaya Puram for further investigation and legal action.
A police team, led by Dy.SP Vishesh Dhatterwal and including experts from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), Crime & Economic Offence Police Station, Anti-Narcotics Police Station, and CID, conducted a detailed inspection at the ICGS Haddo Jetty. Equipped with drug detection kits and weighing machines, the team found 222 gunny bags aboard the trawler. Random sampling confirmed the contents as methamphetamine.
The total consignment, weighing 6,016 kilograms, marks one of the largest narcotics seizures in the region. An FIR under relevant sections of the NDPS Act and the Foreigners Act has been registered, and the six crew members are under custody for interrogation.
Director General of Police, Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal, praised the operation, stating:
“This historic seizure reflects the unwavering commitment of the Andaman & Nicobar Police for safeguarding our maritime borders and combating the drug menace. The operation underscores the synergy between multiple agencies and our resolve to protect the nation’s integrity. Such seizures are not just about enforcement but also a testament to the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of a ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’. We remain steadfast in our mission to secure the Andaman & Nicobar Islands from all illicit activities and urge the public to support our efforts by providing any information related to narcotics.”
The operation highlights robust collaboration between Andaman & Nicobar Police and the Indian Coast Guard. The police are urging the public to assist in curbing drug activities by sharing any information related to narcotics.
In recent years, the Andaman & Nicobar Police has intensified its anti-narcotics & anti-poaching operations. In the past five years, authorities have seized 1,100 kg of narcotics, arrested 640 individuals, and detained 423 foreign poachers, recovering over 5,187 kg of marine wealth.
The public is encouraged to report any drug-related information through phone numbers: 233307, 232586, 100 & 9474290250 or email spcid.and@nic.in, with assurances of confidentiality and rewards for valuable tips. This mission reflects a united stand against illicit activities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.