Indian officials said they confiscated nearly three tonnes of heroin worth an estimated 200 billion rupees ($2.72 billion). The seizure comes amid the chaos that followed after the Taliban took over Afghanistan last month
According to a Gujarat official, India’s main anti-smuggling agency, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), confiscated two containers at Mundra Port in the western state of Gujarat on September 15 after receiving intelligence that they contained drugs. The seizure was one of India’s largest heroin busts to date. Officials seized over 2,988kg (6,590 pounds) of heroin during the bust.
The containers’ contents were listed as semi-processed talc stones from Afghanistan and sent from Iran’s Bandar Abbas Port to Mundra. Officials said forensic testing proved the presence of heroin in the shipment.
Afghanistan is the world’s largest illicit opiate supplier, although the Taliban have stated that they intend to outlaw the drug trade since gaining control.
Gujarat officials said two people have been arrested in connection with the haul, and investigations are underway. The containers were imported by a company in Vijayawada, a southern coastal city.
“Investigation conducted so far has also revealed the involvement of Afghan nationals, who are under investigation,” officials said.
The shipment of drugs was reportedly heading to New Delhi, and the two arrested persons had applied for an import-export license using a home address in the southern city of Vijayawada.
