8 Pakistanis Jailed for 20 Years After Being Caught With 232 Kg of Drugs Off Gujarat Coas
January 1, 2025 | Ahmedabad
Eight Pakistani nationals caught with 232 kilograms of drugs off the Gujarat coast have been sentenced to 20 years in prison by a special court in Ahmedabad. The individuals were arrested during a joint operation by the Indian Coast Guard and the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in January 2023.
The drugs, valued at ₹1,500 crore in the international market, were being smuggled via a Pakistani fishing boat intercepted in Indian waters. The contraband included heroin and other narcotics, which were reportedly being transported for distribution in India and other countries.
Special Judge P. M. Sharma, who presided over the case, noted the severity of the crime, citing the damaging impact of drug trafficking on society, particularly the youth. The court also emphasized the need to deter similar activities in the future.
The operation was part of India’s ongoing efforts to combat drug smuggling along its western coastline, which has emerged as a critical route for narcotics traffickers in the region. Over the years, the Indian Coast Guard and ATS have intensified patrols and surveillance, leading to several high-profile drug busts.
The prosecution presented evidence, including intercepted communications and forensic reports, linking the accused to international drug cartels. The defense, however, argued that the accused were unaware of the contents being transported and were merely following orders from their employers.
The court rejected the defense’s claims, stating that the accused were fully aware of their actions and the consequences. Along with the prison sentence, the court imposed a hefty fine on each convict.
Officials have lauded the court’s decision, calling it a significant victory in the fight against drug trafficking. “This verdict sends a strong message to those involved in such illegal activities that India will not tolerate drug smuggling,” said an ATS official.
The verdict also sheds light on the growing nexus between international drug syndicates and local networks, underscoring the need for enhanced cross-border cooperation to dismantle such operations.
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