A major investigation into international drug trafficking has revealed that a Pakistan-based syndicate allegedly used Gujarat fishermen to smuggle heroin into India through the Arabian Sea. While several cases have been detected over the years, investigators are still trying to determine how many consignments may have entered the country undetected.
The findings have emerged during an ongoing probe into cross-border drug smuggling, exposing a well-organised network operating from Pakistan’s coastal region.
Fishermen Allegedly Used as Drug Carriers
According to the investigation, the drug syndicate allegedly targeted Indian fishermen and used them as “mules” to transport heroin. In many cases, the fishermen were reportedly lured or forced into carrying drug consignments from the sea to the Indian coast.
Investigators believe the network operated through the maritime route, making it difficult for agencies to detect every consignment. Officials suspect that while several shipments have been intercepted, others may have successfully reached Indian shores.
More Than 30 Drug Cases Registered Since 2020
The report states that since 2020, authorities have registered more than 30 cases related to heroin smuggling through Gujarat’s coastal waters.
During these operations, security agencies have seized over 3,000 kilograms of heroin, highlighting the scale of the illegal trade.
Despite these seizures, officials believe the actual volume of smuggling could be much larger, and investigations are continuing to uncover the full extent of the network.
Huge Drug Seizures Worth Thousands of Crores
The report notes that heroin worth over Rs 21,000 crore has been seized in Gujarat in recent years. One of the biggest operations took place in September 2021, when around 3,000 kg of heroin was recovered from Mundra Port in Kutch. The consignment, valued at around Rs 21,000 crore, remains one of India’s largest-ever drug seizures.
In another major case, authorities seized around 75 kg of heroin off the Gujarat coast in 2020. These repeated recoveries have raised concerns about the scale and sophistication of the smuggling network operating through the Arabian Sea.
Pakistan’s Makran Coast Under Scanner
Investigators believe the drugs were dispatched from Pakistan’s Makran Coast, a region that has long been under the watch of security agencies because of its strategic location along the Arabian Sea.
From there, consignments were allegedly transferred at sea before being brought towards India’s western coastline. The probe is examining the role of various handlers, middlemen and international connections involved in the trafficking network.
Narcotics Coordination Committee Reviews Investigation
The issue was recently discussed during a meeting of the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD), where officials from multiple agencies reviewed the investigation.
The meeting focused on the heroin smuggling network, its alleged links with Pakistan, and measures needed to strengthen surveillance along Gujarat’s coastline.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to identify everyone involved in the cross-border syndicate and to determine how many consignments may have entered India without being intercepted.
Also Read: Two Cousins, One BJP Local Functionary: Alleged ₹400 Crore Scam Spans 35 Gujarat Villages https://www.vibesofindia.com/bhavnagar-alleged-400-crore-ponzi-scam-35-villages/
