Kutch: Authorities probing the seizure of about 3,000 kg heroin at Mundra port in Gujarat have so far arrested two people and detained five others in connection with the case.
According to sources, M Sudhakar and his wife G Durga Purna Vaishali, running importer firm Aashi Trading Company at Chennai, have been arrested. They were produced before a special court for NDPS cases in Bhuj which granted their custody to the DRI for 10 days. Among the detainees are two Afghan nationals and a representative of Kandahar-based Hassan Hussain Limited which imported the heroin as semi-processed talc stones.
Read: Two foreign women arrested with heroin worth Rs 25 cr at Mumbai airport
In the single largest heroin haul in the country, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on September 15 seized Rs 21,000 crore worth Afghan-origin heroin from two containers shipped from Bandar Abbas Port in Iran to the port in Kutch district.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated a money-laundering probe into the haul said to be one of the largest ever drugs seizures in the world. The value of the seized heroin per kilogram was about Rs 5-7 crore in the international market, PTI quoted officials as saying. According to reports, the agency has sought details from DRI on the seizure and it will investigate the people or syndicate behind this smuggling and may also attach assets of the accused if required.
Read: ED files PMLA case in 3,000 kg drug seizure at Mundra port
DRI conducted searches in Ahmedabad, Delhi, Chennai, Gandhidham, and Mandvi in Gujarat, following the seizure leading to the arrest of the couple and the detention of others.
According to sources, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is likely to join the probe as the origin of seized drugs have been traced to Afghanistan and the involvement of Afghan nationals have been confirmed.
