In a significant crackdown on maritime drug trafficking, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted a vessel attempting to smuggle narcotics worth 150 Million MVR to the Maldives.
On March 5, acting on intelligence from the DRI, the ICG diverted two ships to intercept a tugboat towing a barge from Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, en route to Malé, Maldives. The suspect vessel was apprehended south of the Gulf of Mannar, and its nine-member crew was detained.
The ICG ships escorted the apprehended vessels for about 40 hours at sea, arriving at Tuticorin Harbour on March 7. Upon inspection, officials discovered approximately 30 kilograms of hashish oil concealed on board, with an estimated international market value of 150 Million MVR.
This operation underscores the ICG’s commitment to maritime security and its relentless efforts to combat transnational crimes at sea. Further legal action is being undertaken by the DRI.
Hashish oil, also known as hash oil, is a concentrated cannabis extract with a significantly higher concentration of the psychoactive chemical THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) than other cannabis products.
This successful joint operation highlights the effective collaboration between India’s security agencies in safeguarding the nation’s maritime borders and preventing the proliferation of illegal narcotics.
