Sayan Chatterjee, New Delhi, November 26, 2024: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has achieved a landmark success in its fight against narcotics smuggling, seizing approximately 5,500 kilograms of prohibited methamphetamine from a Myanmarese fishing vessel, Soe Wai Yan Htoo, in the Andaman Seas. The interception marks the largest-ever drug haul in the ICG’s history, underscoring its unwavering commitment to safeguarding Indian territorial waters.
The operation unfolded on November 24, 2024, when an ICG Dornier aircraft on a routine reconnaissance mission detected a suspicious vessel maneuvering near the Andaman Islands. Acting swiftly, the information was relayed to the Joint Operation Centre, which dispatched a Fast Patrol Vessel from Sri Vijaya Puram to intercept the target.
At 0630 hours, approximately eight nautical miles off Barren Island in Indian territorial waters, an ICG team boarded the Myanmarese vessel for investigation. The six-member crew, identified as Myanmarese nationals, was subjected to joint interrogation. During the search, the boarding party uncovered the massive consignment of methamphetamine and seized a portable Inmarsat satellite phone, a key tool often used for illicit communication in such operations.
Following the seizure, the vessel was escorted to Sri Vijaya Puram on November 25, 2024, for further investigation. The unprecedented haul highlights the increasing sophistication of narcotics smuggling networks in the region and the growing importance of maritime vigilance. The ICG’s successful operation reaffirms its role as a frontline defense force, ensuring the security of India’s maritime borders.
This latest success comes amidst intensified efforts by Indian authorities to curb drug trafficking in the region. The Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, with its strategic location, is increasingly vulnerable to transnational criminal activities, including narcotics trade.
The Myanmarese crew remains under investigation, with authorities collaborating to uncover the broader nexus behind the smuggling attempt. As the ICG continues its vigilant surveillance, this record-breaking seizure reaffirms its critical role in maintaining maritime security and preventing illegal activities in India’s territorial waters.
Stay updated with all the insights.
Navigate news, 1 email day.
Subscribe to Qrius
