Coastal Surveillance Squeezes Routes Used by Haji Salim Network After Rs 3,000-Crore Drug Bust

The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad and Indian Coast Guard intercepted the Iranian dhow *Azad* in Indian territorial waters west of Lakshadweep on September 25 after an intelligence-led surveillance operation. Around 526 kg of narcotics, comprising approximately 400 kg of methamphetamine and 126 kg of heroin, was recovered from the vessel. Five Pakistani nationals aboard the dhow were arrested.

According to Gujarat ATS, the consignment was linked to Pakistan-based drug trafficker Haji Salim. Investigators said the drugs had been transferred to the Iranian vessel from another boat that had arrived from Gwadar, Pakistan. The planned operation allegedly involved transferring the consignment to a Tamil Nadu-bound vessel before the drugs were moved inland.

The seizure has also highlighted how trafficking networks are increasingly being forced to explore alternative maritime corridors as established routes come under tighter scrutiny.

Gujarat had previously emerged as an important route for large-scale maritime narcotics trafficking, but repeated seizures and increased surveillance have made attempts to move major consignments through the region more difficult. The latest interception, far to the south-west of the traditional Gujarat corridor, demonstrates the extent to which agencies are monitoring alternative routes.

The *Azad* was tracked for several days before Coast Guard and ATS personnel intercepted it. According to investigators, the vessel had sailed from Iran and was carrying a consignment that had originated from Pakistan. The operation involved sustained maritime surveillance before the vessel was brought to Mumbai for further investigation.

Security officials believe trafficking networks may continue attempting to identify less-monitored stretches of India's coastline as established routes become increasingly difficult to use. Kerala and the Tamil Nadu coastline have previously featured in investigations into maritime narcotics trafficking, while agencies continue to examine possible landing and distribution points.

The latest case is also being investigated for its international dimensions. Gujarat ATS has said intelligence about a suspected narcotics transaction involving a Nigerian national and associates helped trigger the operation. Investigators are examining the intended recipients, financial transactions and the wider network involved in the planned movement of the drugs.

The seizure has renewed scrutiny of Haji Salim's alleged role in international narcotics trafficking. Gujarat ATS has identified him as the person who allegedly arranged the consignment, while investigations continue into his wider network and its links inside India.

Some intelligence officials have also alleged that Salim's network has links with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence and that narcotics proceeds may be used to support activities beyond drug trafficking. Those claims remain part of the intelligence assessment and have not been independently established through the current investigation.

For Indian agencies, the challenge now is to prevent traffickers from compensating for disrupted routes by opening new maritime corridors. The Lakshadweep seizure has demonstrated that surveillance is extending well beyond established coastal landing points, while the investigation is expected to provide further information about the network's suppliers, intermediaries and intended recipients.

With the five arrested Pakistani nationals in custody and the Gujarat ATS continuing its investigation, authorities are also examining whether the seized shipment was part of a larger trafficking operation operating through multiple maritime routes.