CBI thwarts massive drug trafficking shipment from Brazil at Visakhapatnam Port

Visakhapatnam: Brazil shipment caught in drug bust case by CBI

On 21 March 2024, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), acting on information received through Interpol and with the support of the Customs Department in Vishakapatnam – detained a shipping container at Visakhapatnam Port. The raid in Visakhapatnam was conducted by the CBI, and the case was registered as a part of ‘Operation Garuda’, signifying India’s ongoing efforts of resistance against organized and international drug cartels.

The container, originating from Santos Port, Brazil, was scheduled for delivery in Visakhapatnam, India. It was booked by a private company based in Visakhapatnam. The shipper had declared the container to be carrying 1,000 bags of Inactive Dried Yeast, each weighing 25 kg, totaling 25,000 kg. However, preliminary examinations made using mechanisms used to detect traces of narcotics suggest that the inactive yeast in the shipment is mixed with drugs. The entire consignment has been seized, and an FIR has been registered against the consignee and other unknown entities.

This operation indicates the involvement of an international criminal network that imports narcotic drugs by mixing them with other substances, commonly known as cutting agents.

The CBI has previously conducted such operations, with the help of Interpol inputs, and registered offences under the NDPS Act, demonstrating their commitment to combating international drug cartel activity in India. With respect to the present case, the investigation is ongoing.

About ‘Operation Garuda’:

Operation Garuda is a comprehensive, multi-phase operation, initiated by the CBI to combat illicit drug trafficking networks. This is achieved through the swift exchange of criminal intelligence related to drug trafficking, and coordinated law enforcement actions across international jurisdictions, facilitated by Interpol.

This global operation, which was launched in close collaboration with Interpol and the Narcotics Control Bureau, aims to combat the smuggling of illicit drugs and psychotropic substances, with a particular emphasis on the Indian Ocean region. The international nature of these drug trafficking networks necessitates cooperation among law enforcement agencies across international jurisdictions.

This incident of illegal drug trafficking in Visakhapatnam is just one case of many registered by ‘Operation Garuda’.

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This post was last modified on 21/03/2024 8:02 pm