Gujarat’s ports have emerged as the key landing points for illicit drug consignments entering India, accounting for nearly 65 per cent of the ₹11,300 crore worth of narcotics seized across the country between 2020 and 2024, according to data tabled in the Rajya Sabha last week.
During this period, close to 5,000 kg of drugs were confiscated at five major ports and three Container Freight Stations (CFS). Gujarat alone recorded seizures worth ₹7,383 crore, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs revealed in a written reply.
The largest seizures were reported from Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) at Mundra, where drugs worth ₹6,386 crore were intercepted. Other seizures in the state included ₹180 crore at Pipavav Port, ₹377 crore at Mundra CFS, and ₹302 crore at Gandhidham CFS.
Outside Gujarat, Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Mumbai) accounted for seizures worth ₹2,284 crore, followed by VO Chidambaranar Port, Tuticorin (₹1,515 crore) and Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (₹78 crore). In 2024 alone, enforcement agencies seized over 71.32 lakh Tramadol tablets from Mundra CFS and 1,000 Tramadol injections from Kolkata CFS.
The contraband primarily included heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and Tramadol-based substances. Operations were jointly carried out by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Customs, Gujarat ATS, Maharashtra Police, and Delhi Police.
At least 17 persons have been arrested in connection with these seizures, including the proprietors of Sarvin Exports and Sandhu Exports, as well as a Custom House Agent at Jawaharlal Nehru Port. The government has also initiated action against three customs brokers — Pacific Industries Ltd (Ahmedabad), Contrans Shipping Pvt Ltd (New Delhi), and Saarthee Shipping Co Ltd (Gandhidham) — linked to cases at Mundra port.
In total, 19 cases have been registered during this five-year period, all of which are currently under various stages of investigation and trial.
