Operation Sagar Manthan: NCB Targets Drug Lord Haji Salim
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) of India has launched a major operation called ‘Operation Sagar Manthan’ to dismantle the drug cartel of Haji Salim, also known as the “Lord of Drugs.” This operation was initiated under the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to track down Salim and his global trafficking network.
Authorities have seized nearly 4,000 kilograms of illicit drugs linked to Salim’s cartel, with several Pakistani nationals arrested. Salim’s network is suspected of operating a vast drug pipeline from Pakistan to India and beyond.
Haji Salim’s Global Network
Deputy Director General of NCB, Gyaneshwar Singh, described Salim as one of the world’s largest drug traffickers, with operations spanning Asia, Africa, and the West. Salim’s syndicate is linked to narco-terrorism, destabilizing regions and funding terror activities.
Salim’s network was first discovered in 2015 when a large drug consignment was intercepted near Kerala. Despite arrests, Salim continued his operations, earning the nickname “Raktbeej.” His syndicate uses sea routes for smuggling, with shipments marked by symbols like 777 and flying horses.
International Efforts and Connections
International law enforcement agencies, including those from the US, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka, are searching for Salim. He is believed to have ties with fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim, with sightings near Ibrahim’s Karachi hideout. Intelligence reports suggest Salim uses satellite phones provided by ISI and employs youth from Balochistan for smuggling.
Doubts Revealed
Operation Sagar Manthan -: Operation Sagar Manthan is a special mission by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) of India to stop illegal drug activities. The name ‘Sagar Manthan’ refers to a famous story from Indian mythology about churning the ocean.
NCB -: NCB stands for Narcotics Control Bureau. It is a government agency in India responsible for fighting drug trafficking and the use of illegal substances.
Haji Salim -: Haji Salim is a person who is believed to be a big leader in the illegal drug trade. He is called the ‘Lord of Drugs’ because he controls a large network that sells drugs.
Union Home Minister -: The Union Home Minister is a high-ranking official in the Indian government responsible for internal security and law enforcement. Amit Shah is the current Union Home Minister.
Pakistani nationals -: Pakistani nationals are people who are citizens of Pakistan. In this context, some of them were arrested for being involved in the drug network.
Narco-terrorism -: Narco-terrorism is when drug trafficking is used to fund or support terrorist activities. It means using money from selling drugs to help terrorists.
Dawood Ibrahim -: Dawood Ibrahim is a well-known criminal from India who is involved in many illegal activities, including drug trafficking. He is wanted by the Indian government.
ISI -: ISI stands for Inter-Services Intelligence, which is the main intelligence agency of Pakistan. It is sometimes accused of supporting illegal activities.
