Gujarat ats seizes

drugs worth over rs 350

crore from mundra

port.



Recent seizures of drugs have occurred at the Mundra port, Gujarat, India. Criminal syndicates are using containerized trade networks to traffic drugs, which has become a major challenge for enforcement agencies in the region. The largest ever seizure of heroin, weighing around 3,000 kg, was made by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in September 2022. The seized heroin was exported by a Kandahar-based Hassan Hussain Limited and imported by Vijayawada-based Aashi Trading Company. False declarations in the bill of lading are a common ploy used by drug smugglers to avoid suspicion.

One recent seizure in particular involved heroin worth an estimated Rs 2,000 crore that was being passed off as "talcum powder" in shipping containers. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) took over the investigation of the largest ever seizure of heroin at Mundra port, with ties to banned terror outfits in Pakistan. As of January 31, 2023, the seized drugs have not yet been destroyed. The situation requires better coordination among various agencies and shipping firms to verify the credentials of Import-Export Code (IEC) holders and to maintain and share real-time shipment data to develop an Artificial Intelligence-based algorithm to ferret out suspect consignments.

What Is The Gujarat ATS?

The Gujarat ATS is the Anti-Terrorism Squad of the Gujarat Police, responsible for combating terrorism and other organized criminal activities in the state of Gujarat, India.

What Happened At Mundra Port?

The Gujarat ATS recently seized drugs worth over Rs 350 crore from Mundra port in Kutch district, Gujarat. The exact type and quantity of drugs seized have not been disclosed yet.

How Did The ATS Discover The Drugs?

There have been recent seizures of drugs at the Mundra port. One such seizure involved a large consignment of heroin that was being passed off as talcum powder. False declarations in the bill of lading are common tactics used by drug smugglers to avoid suspicion. The seized drugs have not yet been destroyed, and there is a need for better coordination among agencies and shipping firms to develop an AI-based algorithm to identify suspect consignments. The situation also involves ties to banned terror outfits in Pakistan. It's important to note that the Gujarat Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) have intercepted drug smugglers in joint operations in the past, leading to huge seizures in mid-sea operations. However, there is no information available on how the ATS discovered the drugs at the Mundra port specifically.