Archive · 3 Oct 2026
India’s Coastal Surveillance Squeezes Haji Salim’s Drug Routes
Indian agencies stopped a boat carrying a very large amount of drugs near Lakshadweep.
They arrested five people who were on the boat.
Officials said the drugs were meant to reach Tamil Nadu and then be sent to other countries.
They say the people behind the shipment have had trouble using routes through Gujarat and Kerala because security checks have increased.
The latest interception may make another route harder to use.
Officials allege that Haji Salim’s network is now looking for new ways to move drugs.
They also say the network faces pressure from buyers waiting for large shipments.
The claims about the network and its links to other groups are attributed to officials.
Indian Coast Guard and Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad intercepted a vessel northwest of Lakshadweep and arrested five Pakistani nationals.
Authorities seized 400 kg of methamphetamine and 126 kg of other high-grade drugs, valued at more than Rs 3,000 crore.
Officials said the cargo was intended for Tamil Nadu before being smuggled onward to international markets.
According to officials, increased surveillance and earlier drug busts have made routes through Gujarat and Kerala harder to use.
Officials allege the network is under pressure to find new routes and meet international buyers’ demands; they say drug proceeds also fund terror activities.
- Who
- Five Pakistani nationals were arrested; officials attribute the shipment to the Haji Salim network.
- What
- A maritime drug shipment was intercepted, and authorities seized drugs valued at more than Rs 3,000 crore.
- When
- Early this week, according to the article.
- Where
- The vessel was intercepted 160 nautical miles northwest of the Lakshadweep Islands.
- Why
- Officials said the shipment was intended for Tamil Nadu and then international markets.
- Seizure value
- More than Rs 3,000 crore
- Methamphetamine seized
- 400 kg
- Other high-grade drugs seized
- 126 kg
- People arrested
- Five Pakistani nationals
- Interception location
- 160 nautical miles northwest of Lakshadweep
- Agencies involved
- Indian Coast Guard and Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad
- Stated intended route
- The cargo was reportedly bound for Tamil Nadu before onward smuggling to international markets.