In a significant breakthrough in the war against narcotics, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has detained a shipping container suspected to be laden with illicit drugs as part of “Operation Garuda.” The container, originating from Santos Port, Brazil, was intercepted at Visakhapatnam Port following a tip-off received through Interpol on March 21.
Initial reports suggest that the container, ostensibly carrying 1000 bags of inactive dried yeast, actually harbored narcotic substances meticulously concealed within the yeast. Authorities estimate the total haul to be a staggering 25,000 kilogrammes.
Working in tandem with the Customs Department in Vishakapatnam, the CBI has launched a comprehensive investigation into the matter. The consignment, intended for delivery to a Visakhapatnam-based private company, has been seized in its entirety.
The investigation agency said the operation indicates the involvement of an international criminal network engaged in importing narcotics drugs by way of mixing them with other substances commonly known as cutting agents.
In the past, the CBI has carried out operations and reported offenses under the NDPS Act based on information provided by Interpol as part of its ongoing efforts to combat the global drug problem.
The CBI in its statement, ‘”The whole consignment has been seized, and an FIR has been registered against the consignee and unknown others.”
Following this seizure, the heated political infight between the Telugu Desam Party and the YSRCP emerged.
TDP leader N Chandrababu Naidu posted on X, accusing the ruling party’s involvement in this drug case.
Shocking! CBI seized a staggering 25000 kilos of drugs at Vizag Port, today. The non-cooperation of AP Police and port employees suggests complicity and point towards the potential involvement of the ruling party. The timing of such a huge consignment of drugs finding its way… pic.twitter.com/DZEYaHzL4c
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) March 21, 2024
In the released papers, the seized consignment is addressed to Vishakapatnam-based Sandhya Aqua Exports. (www.sandhyaaqua.com)
Refuting these charges, YSRCP shared a post accusing the owners of the importers of being members of the TDP.
ఎక్కడేం జరిగినా దాన్ని ఏపీ ప్రభుత్వానికి ముడిపెట్టేసి ఆంధ్రప్రదేశ్ ప్రతిష్ఠపై బురదజల్లడం, దాని ద్వారా లబ్ధిపొందాలని చూడటం నీకు అలవాటే గా @ncbn! విశాఖలో దొరికిన డ్రగ్స్ విశాఖకు చెందిన సంధ్యా ఆక్వా ఎక్స్ పోర్ట్ సంస్థకు చెందిందని, దాని ఎండీ కూనం వీరభద్రరావు కాగా డైరెక్టర్ కూనం… https://t.co/Ozx79Yhs7Q pic.twitter.com/EOAzOwdwAy
— YSR Congress Party (@YSRCParty) March 21, 2024
JanaSena Chief Sri @PawanKalyan :
ఆంధ్రప్రదేశ్ రాష్ట్రాన్ని మాదక ద్రవ్యాలకు చిరునామాగా మార్చేశారు.
• విశాఖ పోర్టులో 25వేల కిలోల డ్రగ్స్ పట్టుబడటం ఆందోళనకరం
ఆంధ్రప్రదేశ్ రాష్ట్రానికి రాజధాని లేకుండా చేసిన వైసీపీ ప్రభుత్వం చివరకు మాదక ద్రవ్యాలకు అడ్డాగా మార్చేసింది. ఎక్కడ…
— JanaSena Party (@JanaSenaParty) March 21, 2024
The Janasena Party also joined in on this, accusing Jagan of making Andhra Pradesh a drug-safe haven.
