The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Chennai zonal unit, has achieved a significant breakthrough in the fight against narcotics smuggling by securing the conviction of six individuals involved in an international ganja and hashish oil trafficking network that operated through sea routes. The Pudukottai NDPS court sentenced each of the six men to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment.
Coast Guard Interception
On November 21, 2022, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) intercepted a fishing vessel named Kanmani during a mid-sea operation approximately 45 nautical miles south of Mandapam. In an attempt to evade capture, the crew threw eight gunny bags into the sea before the interception. The coast guard successfully recovered the discarded cargo from the waters. NCB officials subsequently took over the case at ICGS Mandapam.
The recovered consignment included 99 packets of ganja, one bottle of hashish oil, several GPS devices, and mobile phones. In total, 290.49 kilograms of ganja and 1 kilogram of hashish oil were seized.
Arrests and Investigation
Four Indian nationals onboard the vessel were arrested at the scene: K Iniyas Ahamed, Syed Noorul Ammen, Kannan K, and Velu A. Further investigation revealed that the vessel belonged to P Ramu, who provided his boat for the smuggling operation. Subsequent probes uncovered that Mohamed Basith coordinated the trafficking of narcotics to Sri Lanka via sea routes with the assistance of his associates. Basith was arrested in June 2023.
The court convicted all six accused and sentenced each to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of 1 lakh rupees. The operation led to the seizure of narcotics worth 1.52 crore rupees, 2.20 lakh rupees in cash, and a boat valued at more than 9 lakh rupees.
Ongoing Efforts
As of 2026, the Chennai Zonal Unit has secured six convictions involving a total of 17 individuals. The NCB has urged the public to assist in combating drug trafficking. Information regarding the sale, transport, or trade of narcotics can be shared via the MANAS National Narcotics Helpline (toll-free: 1933), with strict confidentiality assured for informants.
