Gujarat Ports account for 65% of ₹11,300 crore drug seizures in last five years
India’s western coastline, particularly Gujarat, has become the epicenter of the country’s fight against narcotics trafficking. According to data tabled in the Rajya Sabha last week, Gujarat’s ports alone accounted for nearly 65% of the ₹11,300 crore worth of illicit drugs seized across India between 2020 and 2024.
Gujarat as a Prime Target
During this five-year period, close to 5,000 kg of drugs were confiscated at five major ports and three Container Freight Stations (CFS). Gujarat topped the list with seizures worth ₹7,383 crore, highlighting the state’s vulnerability due to its extensive coastline and strategic trade routes.
Mundra Port Leads the Numbers
The Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) at Mundra emerged as the single largest hub for drug seizures, with consignments worth ₹6,386 crore intercepted. Other key seizures in Gujarat included:
₹180 crore at Pipavav Port
₹377 crore at Mundra CFS
₹302 crore at Gandhidham CFS
Outside Gujarat, major interceptions included ₹2,284 crore at Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Mumbai, ₹1,515 crore at VO Chidambaranar Port in Tuticorin, and ₹78 crore at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata.
The Nature of the Contraband
The seized narcotics included high-value substances such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and Tramadol-based drugs. In 2024 alone, authorities intercepted more than 71.32 lakh Tramadol tablets from Mundra CFS and 1,000 Tramadol injections from Kolkata CFS, underscoring the growing role of synthetic drugs in trafficking operations.
Multi-Agency Crackdown
The large-scale operations were carried out by a coordinated effort of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Customs, Gujarat ATS, Maharashtra Police, and Delhi Police. At least 17 individuals have been arrested so far, including the proprietors of Sarvin Exports and Sandhu Exports, along with a Custom House Agent at Jawaharlal Nehru Port.
Further, the government has initiated strict action against three customs brokers Pacific Industries Ltd (Ahmedabad), Contrans Shipping Pvt Ltd (New Delhi), and Saarthee Shipping Co Ltd (Gandhidham) for their alleged involvement in cases linked to Mundra port.
Cases Under Trial
In total, 19 cases have been registered during this five-year period, all of which are currently under various stages of investigation and trial. The seizures not only highlight the scale of India’s drug trafficking challenge but also underscore the crucial role played by enforcement agencies in disrupting these networks.
Looking Ahead
The dominance of Gujarat’s ports in narcotics seizures points to the urgent need for stronger surveillance, enhanced international cooperation, and more robust supply chain checks. With India emerging as both a target market and a transit route for narcotics, continuous vigilance at the nation’s ports will remain a top priority for enforcement agencies.
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