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In a joint operation with the Indian Navy, the Narcotics Control Bureau intercepted an Iranian fishing vessel off the coast of Kochi and seized 200 kg of Afghan-origin heroin, worth about 1200 crore rupees in the international market. Six crew members of the boat, all Iranian nationals, have been taken into custody and are being interrogated.
Addressing a press conference in Kochi last night, the NCB Deputy Director General (Operations), Sanjay Kumar Singh said that the seized heroin was found in 200 packets which had the markings and packaging specialties unique to Afghan and Pakistan-based drug cartels. The drug was sourced from Afghanistan, transported to Pakistan, and loaded into the seized Iranian vessel mid-sea off the Pakistan coast. He said the network of the Pakistan-based drug kingpin Haji Salim was used in transporting the drug.
The consignment was to be delivered further to a Sri Lankan vessel, which couldn’t be traced. He said although the drug was meant for Sri Lanka, a part of it would have reached Indian shores. Mr. Singh noted that trafficking of Afghan heroin into India through Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean has exponentially increased over the last few years.
