Operation Sagar Manthan: NCB Strikes Haji Salim’s Epic Drug Empire

Major Operation Against Haji Salim’s Drug Empire

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) of India has launched a large-scale operation named ‘Operation Sagar Manthan’ to dismantle the drug cartel of Haji Salim, known as the “Lord of Drugs.” This initiative follows directives from Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Haji Salim is linked to a sprawling drug trafficking network spreading from Pakistan to various countries, including India. In this operation, authorities seized nearly 4,000 kilograms of drugs associated with Salim’s cartel and arrested several Pakistani nationals.

Gyaneshwar Singh, Deputy Director General of NCB, stated that Haji Salim ranks among the biggest drug traffickers globally, dealing in heroin, methamphetamine, and other narcotics across Asia, Africa, and the West. His operations are extensive and well-established, with multiple international agencies also searching for him.

Salim is suspected of financing narco-terrorism activities that threaten regional stability. His drug operations pose a significant risk to society and have been linked to funding terrorism.

The NCB first identified Salim’s syndicate in 2015 when a large drug shipment was intercepted off Kerala’s coast. Since then, the NCB has seized drugs worth approximately Rs 40,000 crores in two and a half years, yet Salim continues to operate. He has earned the nickname “Raktbeej” in the drug trade.

Salim’s syndicate uses maritime routes for smuggling. They mark their shipments with symbols like 777, 555, and scorpions, which have consistently appeared on seized drugs. Intelligence suggests Salim’s operations begin in Iran, moving through Afghanistan and Malaysia before reaching Sri Lanka. Smaller boats then carry the drugs to obscure Indian ports, often at night.

Reports indicate that Salim uses satellite phones provided by the ISI to communicate with his agents at sea. He reportedly recruits unemployed youth from Balochistan for smuggling operations.

This ongoing effort aims to strengthen the fight against drug trafficking and its associated threats to society and national security.