Port Blair, November 25, 2024: In a major anti-narcotics operation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) intercepted a fishing trawler near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands carrying 6,000 kilograms of methamphetamine, valued at several crores in the international market. The vessel, manned by six Myanmarese nationals, was seized on November 24, a defence official confirmed.
The operation began on November 23 when a Coast Guard Dornier aircraft on routine patrol spotted the suspicious movement of the trawler near Barren Island, approximately 150 kilometers from Port Blair. “The crew was instructed to reduce their speed, and nearby fast patrol vessels were deployed immediately,” the official said. The trawler was subsequently towed to Port Blair for further investigation.
Preliminary examination revealed that the contraband was packed in 3,000 packets, each weighing 2 kilograms. “It is suspected that the methamphetamine was intended for distribution in India and neighboring countries,” the official added. The Andaman and Nicobar Police have been notified for a joint interrogation of the arrested crew members.
This is not the first time such illicit substances have been intercepted in these waters. Similar seizures were reported in 2019 and 2022, involving foreign vessels attempting to smuggle drugs into India.
Methamphetamine, often referred to as “meth,” is primarily used as a recreational drug or a performance enhancer, making its trafficking a serious international concern. The Coast Guard’s vigilance and swift response continue to play a crucial role in curbing the narcotics trade in Indian waters.
