New Delhi: In the biggest drug haul in Indian maritime history, Indian Coast Guard has apprehended a suspected fishing boat in Andaman seas which was carrying approximately 5500 kgs of prohibited drug Methamphetamine along with one portable Satellite phone.
It is the largest-ever drug haul by the Indian Coast Guard in Indian maritime history.
As per the ICG, in the recent past there has been a rise in detection and sighting of poachers in Andaman seas.
On November 23, the pilot of an ICG’s Dornier aircraft noticed a suspicious movement of a fishing trawler near Barren Island while on routine patrolling, the Defence officials said. The ICG initiated a coordinated air and sea operation against the Myanmarese fishing trawler, identified as “Soe Wai Yan Htoo.” The Coast Guard seized approx. 6,000 kg of Methamphetamine, marking the largest maritime seizure in India’s domain.
The drugs were found packed in around 3,000 packets of 2 kg each, which are worth several crores of rupees in the international market.
“The trawler was warned and asked to lower its speed and in the meantime, the pilot alerted the Andaman and Nicobar Command. Immediately, our nearby fast patrolling vessels rushed towards Barren Island and towed the fishing trawler to Port Blair on November 24 for further investigation,” the official said.
The officials further added that they also apprehended six Myanmarese nationals. “We have arrested six Myanmarese nationals from the fishing trawler and it is believed that the Methamphetamine was meant for India and its neighbouring countries. We have informed the Andaman and Nicobar Police for joint interrogation,” the defence official said.
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