A Single Largest Seizure of Methamphetamine with a Retail Market Value of Rs 36000 Crores
Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov. 26: In a major breakthrough, the Crime & Economic Offence Police Station (C&EO), Andaman & Nicobar Police in coordination with the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), seized approximately 6000 kilograms of Methamphetamine (Narcotic drug) from a Myanmarese vessel in Andaman Sea. The operation was the result of heightened surveillance and joint efforts from A&N Police and ICG to combat the narcotics and poaching menace in the region.
In recent times, the Andaman & Nicobar Police and the ICG have been conducting joint operations, which include interrogations of Myanmarese poachers and heightened vigilance following an increase in sightings of Rohingya boats and Myanmarese poaching vessels in the area. These proactive measures culminated in the “Biggest one-time seizure” of narcotics & psychotropic substance– Methamphetamine whose market value in retail market is more than 36,000 crores.
The Andaman & Nicobar Police, in coordination with multiple security and intelligence agencies, has implemented robust measures to safeguard the region’s coastal security. Joint interrogations involving the Navy, Coast Guard, Army, CID, Special Branch, Immigration and sister agencies are routinely conducted to collect intelligence and understand the modus operandi of foreign intruders, which includes, Exercise Sagar Kavach. The latest exercise was conducted on 25th–26th October 2024. Similarly, Sea Vigil Exercise- a nationwide coastal security drill aimed at ensuring coordinated efforts across India’s coastline, held on 20th–21st November 2024 & Operation Sajag - a monthly operation led by the Police Marine Force and Indian Coast Guard to verify credentials of fishing vessels and fishermen. The last operation was conducted on 17th October 2024.
Additionally, Joint Coastal Patrolling (JCP) is conducted monthly, where police personnel undergo practical training aboard Coast Guard vessels in navigation, engine maintenance, patrolling, and surveillance procedures.
On 25/11/2024, the Regional Headquarters of the Indian Coast Guard informed the Police Station Crime & Economic Offence via landline (03192-232586) about the interception of a suspected trawler by ICG Ship Aruna Asaf Ali. The vessel, suspected of carrying a large consignment of narcotic substances, was manned by six Myanmarese nationals, who were subsequently detained and brought to Sri Vijaya Puram for further investigation and legal action.
Acting swiftly, Shri Vishesh Dhatterwal, Dy.SP (CID) and a team comprising members of the FSL, Crime & Economic Offence Police Station, Anti-Narcotics Police Station and CID, arrived at the ICGS Haddo Jetty along with other senior officers of A&N Police, equipped with drug detection kits, weighing machines and other essential tools. The team received a detailed report on the apprehension of the Myanmarese Fishing Boat and relevant documents from Shri Ankit Awasthi, Deputy Commandant of ICGS Aruna Asaf Ali.
A thorough inspection of the boat revealed several gunny bags containing suspected contraband. Random samples from 10 out of 222 gunny bags were tested on-site by the FSL team using a drug detection kit, which confirmed the substance to be methamphetamine. The total consignment was weighed and found to be approximately 6,016 kilograms.
The six detained Myanmarese nationals were held at the ICGS Jetty, Haddo, for further interrogation. Subsequently, FIR No. 111/2024, dated 26 November 2024, was registered under Sections 8(c), 22(c), 23(c), and 29 of the NDPS Act, 1985, read with Section 14 of the Foreigners Act, 1946, at PS C&EO, Sri Vijaya Puram.
The Andaman & Nicobar Police is investigating the case from multiple angles, including the possibility of transhipment and the logistical implications of transporting such a large quantity of narcotics within India's territorial waters and for the involvement of any local/foreign syndicate in the whole network.
Speaking on this Shri Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal, DGP, Andaman & Nicobar Islands said, “This historic seizure reflects the unwavering commitment of the Andaman & Nicobar Police for safeguarding our maritime borders and combating the drug menace. The operation underscores the synergy between multiple agencies and our resolve to protect the nation’s integrity. Such seizures are not just about enforcement but also a testament to the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of a ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’. We remain steadfast in our mission to secure the Andaman & Nicobar Islands from all illicit activities and urge the public to support our efforts by providing any information related to narcotics.”
This operation highlights the strong coordination between the Andaman & Nicobar Police and the Indian Coast Guard in addressing threats to national security and the integrity of Indian waters.
In the last five years, Andaman and Nicobar Police has seized approximately 1100 kgs of contraband narcotics with the arrest of 640 persons. Additionally, 423 foreign poachers of various nationalities have been arrested in the last five years with a total seizure of 5187 kgs of marine wealth comprising Sea Cucumber & Turbo shells.
Notable operations include an August 2024 raid where the K-9 Squad (Narcotics Dog) was deployed at Campbell Bay, leading to the seizure of 780 grams of heroin during subsequent investigations in Kolkata. Similarly, on September 22, 2023, during routine patrolling near Tillongchong Island, a black packet containing 1.1 kg of cocaine valued at ₹16 Crore was discovered ashore. The packet bore the image of Mexican drug lord El Mencho, leader of the Jalisco cartel, carrying a reward of $10 Million in US & Mexico.
The Andaman & Nicobar Police is committed to eradicate the menace of drugs and to enforce strict legal provisions against drug peddlers. General Public is requested to share any information related to drugs in the Islands to the following numbers: 233307, 232586, 100 & 9474290250 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The informer will be suitably rewarded and his/her identity will be kept secret.