In a significant operation, the Central Intelligence Unit (CIU) intercepted drugs valued at Rs 71 crore destined for Sri Lanka from a village located in Tamil Nadu’s Pudukkottai district. The haul, earmarked for smuggling via the Thondi sea route, underscores the persistent battle against narcotics trafficking in the region.
The seizure, orchestrated by a vigilant CIU team from Tiruchirappalli, unfolded at a prawn farm nestled within Mimisal village. Acting on actionable intelligence, the team swiftly moved in and confiscated a substantial cache of narcotics, comprising 70 kg of ganja oil and 950 kg of ganja.
The CIU’s surveillance efforts focused on monitoring boat movements across several key points, including Thondi, SP Pattinam, Devipattinam, Maraikayarpatthinam, Vedhalai, Thangachimadam, Mandapam, and Pamban, aimed at curbing the illicit trafficking of ganja, sea cucumber, turmeric, and seahorses to Sri Lanka.
Under the cloak of darkness on Sunday night, the CIU operatives meticulously combed through prawn farms spanning from SP Pattinam to Ennamkottai, ultimately laying their hands on the contraband. Subsequently, the seized narcotics were transported to the Ramanathapuram Customs office for further legal proceedings.
Preliminary investigations have pointed towards the prawn farm’s ownership linked to an individual identified as Sultan from Ramanathapuram. Authorities have launched a comprehensive manhunt to apprehend the suspect and unravel the intricate web of illegal drug trade operations.
This development comes hot on the heels of a recent drug bust where four individuals were apprehended for attempting to smuggle 99 kg of hashish, valued at Rs 108 crore, to Sri Lanka from Tamil Nadu. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Chennai, in collaboration with the Indian Coast Guard, orchestrated the interception, further underscoring the gravity of the narcotics trafficking menace plaguing the region.
As investigations unfold, law enforcement agencies remain steadfast in their commitment to uprooting drug syndicates and safeguarding the region’s integrity against the scourge of illicit narcotics trade.
arun564