India

Rs 1,200 crore worth heroin from Pakistan seized on boat off Kerala coast

The Indian Navy and the Narcotics Control Bureau in a joint operation seized 200 kg of heroin worth Rs 1,200 crore from an Iranian fishing boat near the Kerala coast.

The heroin made in Afghanistan first came into Pakistan from where it was sent out on a boat. The consignment was then transferred to the Iranian vessel “in a mid-sea exchange” so that it could enter Indian waters without raising any suspicion, said officials.

Six Iranian nationals have been arrested and investigations have revealed that the heroin was to be sold in India and Sri Lanka.

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Friday said that the Pakistan-based Haji Salim network was behind the drug smuggling.

The seized consignment and the boat have been brought to Kochi in Kerala, along with the six Iranian nationals, said Sanjay Kumar Singh, a senior offer of the NCB.

“While some of the drug packets had ‘Scorpion’ seal markings, the others had ‘dragon’ seal markings” which are used by drug cartels in Afghanistan and Pakistan,” he said.

There has been a sharp increase in the drug trafficking through the sea route ever since the Taliban came to power in Afghanistan.

IN Bureau

Recent Posts

Baloch National Movement condemns Pakistan’s fencing of Gwadar city

In the wake of the Pakistan government's decision to fence the Gwadar city of Balochistan,…

3 hours ago

India, Australia forge alliance to empower women leaders in industry

Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Business Council of Australia (BCA) have joined hands to…

4 hours ago

American Express to open state-of-the-art campus in India

American Express is set to inaugurate its cutting-edge campus in India, signifying its steadfast commitment…

4 hours ago

UAE pioneer in ensuring decent, safe working conditions for workers: UAHR

The Union Association for Human Rights (UAHR) acknowledged the UAE's position as a global leader…

4 hours ago

Pakistani Hindu Senator Danesh Palyani raises alarm over forced conversions in Sindh

Pakistani Hindu leader and member of the Senate, Danesh Kumar Palyani on Tuesday raised concern…

4 hours ago

US Secy of State Blinken, Netanyahu hold discussion in Israel

US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken met with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday…

6 hours ago