Here's What We Know So Far About Drug Consignment Worth Rs 21,000 Crore That Was Seized At Gujarat Port

Just a month after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) have seized 3,000 kg of drugs originating from the country.

The DRI busted a 3,000-kg drug smuggling operation by seizing heroin worth Rs 21,000 crore in Mundra Port in Gujarat last week, according to a HT report.

According to an investigation conducted by DRI, the consignment was imported from the country as semi processed talc stones by a Vijaywada based-trading company. The consignment was shipped from Iran’s Bandar Abbas Port between 13 and 14 September.

After examination of the talc stones seized by Gandhinagar Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) under the provisions of the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, it was observed that the substance included heroin of a high quality.

Experts from the lab have estimated the value of such heroin to be at Rs 7 crore per kg in the international market.

This makes it one of the biggest ever seizures in India.

Subsequently, a Chennai-based couple have been arrested in Delhi after search operations were conducted in Delhi, Ahmedabad, Gandhidham, Chennai and Andhra Pradesh.

Several nationals from Afghanistan have also been picked up for questioning after suspecting connections with the arrested couple, according to HT.

Officials further stated that there could be more arrests in the coming days as such a case has international ramifications.

Earlier this year, in July, the DRI had studied a Taliban link to drug smuggling to countries such as Australia and other western nations via Hyderabad.

The investigation had revealed that although Afghanistan was the source, the smuggling was being carried out by African drug cartels.

The DRI had termed the high-quality heroin, a trademark of the Taliban.

Earlier this month, the National Security Advisor of India, Ajit Doval and the secretary of Russian Security Council, Nikolai Patrushev in their meeting in New Delhi had discussed the security challenges arising out of Afghanistan including drug trafficking.