NIA takes over probe into seizure of 2,988 kg heroin at Mundra port in Gujarat

This was following a ministry of home affairs order

ITDC INDIA EPRESS/ITDC NEWS R The Union home ministry handed over the latest drug seizure case at Mundra port in Gujarat to the NIA. The case relates to the seizure of 2988.21kg of heroin, that was disguised as consignment of ‘semi-processed talc stones’ originating from Afghanistan, which had arrived from Bandar Abbas Port in Iran.

The NIA has registered the case under various sections of IPC, NDPS Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act against accused Machavaram Sudhakaran, Durga P.V. Govindaraju, Rajkumar P. and others.

â€‹The NIA officials said action as per law for expeditious investigation of case have been initiated.

Speaking to THE WEEK, Narcotics Control Bureau chief S.N. Pradhan said the drug haul had links in Afghanistan and is a matter of serious concern as India is sandwiched between the two biggest drug smuggling routes of golden triangle and golden crescent.

The use of vessel containers and insider role at the port will be investigated and so will the cross border links to the drug smuggling, said an investigator .

Meanwhile, the Mundra case continues to generate heat as opposition parties have been demanding a bigger probe into the drug networks that were active at Mundra port. The NIA officials in Gujarat as well as Delhi are gathering evidence and questioning will soon begin to unearth the larger conspiracy.