That Kutch remains a fertile ground for smugglers dealing in contraband arms and ammunition is common knowledge. Apart from being a zone for spy rings, it’s perilously close to Pakistan’s border, making the region a comfortable hub for smuggling activities.
Amid roaring seas and gushing winds, intelligence agencies frequently intercept boats carrying drugs. Last year, Gujarat’s Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) conducted a joint operation with Indian Coast Guards. Together they seized 40KG heroin worth ₹200 crores from a Pakistani fishing boat off the Gujarat coast.
With frequent incidents of high-grade narcotics consignments landing in Kutch with alarming regularity, the Ministry of Home Affairs has red-flagged the area with coastal security agencies. Border Security Force (BSF) will further beef up security in the area.
According to a report, 29 packets of charas weighing over 30 kilograms have been recovered off the Jakhau coast in Kutch district in the last three months.
A BSF source was quoted as saying, “The recoveries have reached an average frequency of a packet of consignment almost every day. Most consignments are products believed to be originating in Afghanistan. In fact, the last charas recovery from the area this week bears the label of ‘Afghan Product’ printed on its packaging.”
It has come to light that consignments reach the Kutch coast through trawlers. With security agencies patrolling the coast, smugglers dump their products, fearing getting nabbed.
The Union Government, the report added, has already sanctioned Rs 164 crore to set up eight coastal outposts for BSF in Kutch to strengthen the surveillance systems in the area.
Additionally, it has set up a tower to ensure round-the-clock presence of BSF troops in the region.
