In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) seized 82.53 kilograms of high-grade cocaine worth ₹900 crore in the national capital on Friday. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the seizure on social media platform X, emphasizing the government’s commitment to a “drug-free Bharat.”
“The back-to-back major breakthroughs against illegal drugs in a single day demonstrate the Modi government’s unwavering resolve to build a drug-free Bharat. The NCB today confiscated 82.53 kg of high-grade cocaine in New Delhi,” Shah stated. He further mentioned that the seizure was the result of a “bottom-to-top” investigative approach initiated after a smaller quantity of drugs was confiscated at a courier center in Delhi.
According to the NCB, the drug syndicate responsible for the consignment operated from abroad and intended to ship some of the cocaine to Australia using courier and small cargo services. The individuals involved used pseudonyms for communication and were reportedly connected through hawala networks.
Shah reiterated the government’s commitment to eradicating the drug menace, stating, “Our hunt against drug rackets will continue ruthlessly.”
Massive Drug Seizures Along Gujarat Coast
On the same day, another significant operation by the NCB led to the seizure of 700 kilograms of methamphetamine, valued between ₹2,500 crore and ₹3,500 crore, from Indian territorial waters off the Gujarat coast near Porbandar. Eight foreign nationals claiming to be Iranians were arrested in connection with the operation.
Recent High-Value Drug Busts
October has witnessed a series of massive drug busts across India, with authorities seizing narcotics worth over ₹13,000 crore:
- October 13: The Delhi and Gujarat Police recovered 518 kilograms of cocaine worth ₹5,000 crore from Ankleshwar, Gujarat, and arrested five individuals.
- October 1: Delhi Police Special Cell confiscated 562 kilograms of cocaine and 40 kilograms of hydroponic marijuana from a warehouse in Mahipalpur.
- October 10: An additional 208 kilograms of cocaine was recovered from a shop in Ramesh Nagar, Delhi. The drugs were concealed in snack packets labeled “Tasty Treat” and “Chatpata Mixture.”
Praising the police for their efforts, Amit Shah previously stated, “I congratulate Delhi Police for the series of successful operations seizing drugs worth ₹13,000 crore, including the recent one with Gujarat Police recovering cocaine worth ₹5,000 crore.”
A Coordinated Fight Against Narco-Trafficking
The spate of drug seizures underscores the Indian government’s intensified efforts to dismantle drug syndicates operating both domestically and internationally. With record-breaking drug hauls and continued vigilance, authorities aim to clamp down on the narco trade and safeguard public health and safety.
Sources By Agencies
