300 kg drugs worth ?1,800 crore seized off Gujarat coast, Pg5

Over 300 kg of methamphetamine valued at ?1,800 crore seized in a joint operation by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).

• Drugs were dumped into the Arabian Sea by Pakistani smugglers during a mid-sea chase.

• The contraband was sent from Pasni port, Pakistan, and was supposed to be moved mid-sea and later delivered to Tamil Nadu.

• Operation took place near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) between India and Pakistan off Gujarat coast, specifically near Jakhau in Kutch.

• Seized drug: Methamphetamine, commonly known as ice or crystal meth, a highly addictive synthetic stimulant.

• Maritime drug route: Reveals continued use of the Arabian Sea as a corridor for transnational drug trafficking.

• Indias coastal vulnerability: Highlights the strategic importance of maritime surveillance, especially near sensitive borders like the IMBL.

• Inter-agency coordination: Demonstrates effective collaboration between central (ICG) and state (ATS) enforcement agencies.

• Need for enhanced coastal monitoring using technology (drones, radars, satellites) and increased patrolling.

• Establish a dedicated maritime narcotics intelligence cell to track and disrupt such smuggling networks.

• India must also work on bilateral maritime security cooperation with neighbours like Pakistan to prevent misuse of sea routes.

• Public awareness and demand-side control policies are vital to curb domestic drug abuse linked with international smuggling.

Mains Mock Question:

Discuss the challenges posed by maritime drug trafficking to Indias internal security. Suggest a multi-pronged strategy to address the issue.