Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 08 January 2025
In the last week of November 2024, news of one of the largest drug busts in Indian history made headlines both nationally and internationally. The Andaman and Nicobar Police seized 6,016.870 kilograms of methamphetamine, worth approximately INR 36,000 crore. The operation began when an Indian Coast Guard Dornier aircraft detected a suspicious fishing vessel near Barren Island. Upon investigation by Indian Coast Guard Ship, the suspicious fishing vessel was found to be loaded with illegal drugs and was subsequently escorted to Sri Vijaya Puram for further examination.
Six Myanmar nationals aboard the vessel—Kyan Lin Khing, Zay Yar Soe, Moe Zar Oo, Htet Myat Aung, Zin Minsoe, and Khin Mg Kyi—were arrested. Currently, the accused are in judicial custody.
Meanwhile, on January 3, 2025, the Special Court (NDPS) in Sri Vijaya Puram granted permission for the pre-trial disposal of the seized contraband upon a petition filed by the Investigating Officer (IO). According to court records, the contraband, consisting of 222 plastic bags containing methamphetamine, is stored at the Central Storage Room of the CID Unit in Sri Vijaya Puram. The court noted that the procedure of sampling and certification, as mandated by Section 52-A of the NDPS Act, 1985, had already been completed, and chemical samples had been analysed at CFSL Kolkata.
The Special Public Prosecutor emphasised the urgency of disposing of the massive drug haul to prevent theft, mishaps, or further circulation. After reviewing the matter, the court ruled that the petition aligned with the NDPS Act and directed the IO to proceed with the disposal of the contraband in accordance with the law. A certificate confirming the destruction of the seized substances is to be submitted by January 13, 2025.
This landmark drug seizure and its subsequent legal handling have underscored the gravity of the narcotics threat and the vigilance of enforcement agencies in safeguarding society.