New Delhi, October 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A major narcotics seizure worth over Rs 3,000 crore near the Lakshadweep Islands has dealt a significant blow to the alleged drug syndicate operated by Haji Salim, a suspected associate of underworld figure Dawood Ibrahim, while exposing the growing difficulties faced by the network in moving large consignments into India amid intensified coastal surveillance.
The joint operation by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) resulted in the arrest of five Pakistani nationals and the seizure of 400 kg of methamphetamine and 126 kg of other high-grade narcotics from an Iranian dhow intercepted around 160 nautical miles northwest of Lakshadweep.
According to intelligence officials cited in the report, the consignment was intended to reach Tamil Nadu before being transported to international markets, including Sri Lanka and Thailand.
An official said Salim was allegedly overseeing narcotics smuggling operations targeting southern India, from where the drugs were subsequently moved to overseas destinations.
The latest seizure has reportedly intensified pressure on the network, which intelligence officials allege has been forced to abandon or modify several of its traditional maritime routes following successive enforcement operations.
Gujarat was previously considered a major entry point for the syndicate. However, increased coastal surveillance and repeated narcotics seizures along the state’s coastline have made smuggling operations increasingly difficult, according to officials.
The network is believed to have subsequently shifted towards alternative maritime routes in southern India. The interception near Lakshadweep, however, has now brought further scrutiny to these operations, potentially forcing the syndicate to reconsider its approach.
Officials said the network had previously relied on the Vizhinjam region near Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, but successive enforcement actions and heightened surveillance have significantly increased the risks associated with using that route.
Intelligence inputs cited in the report also point to the alleged use of other coastal locations in Kerala. Security agencies are monitoring developments as they seek to prevent the establishment of alternative smuggling channels.
The investigation is also examining the alleged links between Salim’s network and Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Officials claim that the syndicate operates under an arrangement in which a substantial share of narcotics proceeds is allegedly transferred to the ISI in exchange for protection.
According to the officials, the ISI is believed to receive around 40 per cent of the proceeds generated by certain drug networks, with the funds allegedly being used to finance terror-related activities in India. These allegations have not been independently established in the information provided.
The successive seizures are also believed to have created financial pressure on the syndicate, with officials pointing to substantial losses arising from the interception of large consignments. The network is reportedly facing additional pressure from international buyers who expect regular supplies of narcotics.
Officials said sustained enforcement action could disrupt the network’s ability to meet these commitments, potentially prompting international buyers to seek alternative suppliers.
Despite the recent successes, security agencies remain cautious about the possibility of the syndicate identifying new maritime routes. Officials have stressed the need for continued coastal vigilance, intelligence coordination and enforcement operations to prevent the re-establishment of smuggling networks.
The latest operation underscores the growing focus of Indian security agencies on disrupting maritime narcotics trafficking and investigating its alleged links with organised crime and terror financing.
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