- By Aditya Jha
- Sun, 17 Nov 2024 09:31 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) of India launched a massive operation under 'Operation Sagar Manthan' to track down wanted drug smuggler Haji Salim, also known as "Lord of Drugs," and dismantle his drug activities.
The authorities have seized nearly 4,000 kilograms of drugs linked to Salim's cartel from several locations. The agency has also arrested several of the Pakistani nationals in connection with Salim's cartel. The operation was launched on the directions of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to dismantle Haji Salim, NDTV reported, citing officials.
Gyaneshwar Singh, Deputy Director General of Narcotics Control Bureau, said that Haji Salim, aka Haji Baloch, has a complex network across Asia, Africa, and the West. "Haji Salim is one of the biggest drug traffickers in the world, who supplies large shipments of heroin, methamphetamine, and other illegal narcotics through a complex network that spans across Asia, Africa, and the West. He has a very big network. He has been on our radar for a long time, but in this case, I would not like to comment on Haji Salim's name or anyone else's name because the investigation is still at a very initial stage," he was quoted as saying by ANI.
Who is Haji Salim?
Haji Salim is allegedly the kingpin of a smuggling syndicate responsible for trafficking large quantities of drugs not only in India but in Mauritius, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives too. Multiple international law enforcement agencies, including those in the United States, Malaysia, Iran, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, New Zealand, and Afghanistan, are on the lookout for him, ANI reported.
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What is operation sagar manthan?
The 'Operation Sagar Manthan' was started by NCB early this year to counter the threat to national security emanating from maritime trafficking of illicit drugs. NCB constituted a team of officers of the Operations Branch of NCB headquarters and officers of the Operations/Intelligence Wing of the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and ATS Gujarat Police for the operation.