The Indian Coast Guard has recently conducted a significant operation in the Andaman waters, intercepting a fishing boat carrying approximately five tonnes of methamphetamine. This seizure, which took place near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, involved around 3,000 packets of drugs, each weighing 2 kg, highlighting the scale of this drug haul. Six Myanmar nationals were detained during this operation, which is noted as one of the largest drug seizures by the Coast Guard in this region.
This event follows a pattern of drug trafficking attempts through Indian waters, with another notable seizure of about 700 kilograms of methamphetamine off the Gujarat coast earlier in the month. The drugs from the recent Andaman operation are believed to have been destined for markets in India and potentially beyond, showcasing the strategic importance of the Andaman Sea in international drug routes.
The operation involved coordination with the Andaman and Nicobar Command. After being warned and asked to slow down, the fishing trawler was eventually intercepted and towed to Port Blair for further investigation. This incident not only reflects the ongoing challenges of maritime drug smuggling but also the proactive measures being taken by the Indian Coast Guard to secure its waters against such illegal activities.