Betel nuts worth over Rs 1 Crore seized in Odisha: Police intensify probe into smuggling network

Police are delving into a network surrounding a substantial smuggling operation involving betel nuts and intensified the probe on Saturday. The haul, valued at more than Rs 1 Crore, was recently seized from the sea in Paradip of Jagatsinghpur district.

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A concerted effort by the local marine police, customs officials, and the Coast Guard has led to the arrest of 14 suspects believed to be linked to the smuggling network.

Which country the suspects hail from?

Investigators are examining various leads to ascertain the individuals managing the illegal operation and the intended destination of the huge consignment. There are concerns over potential connections to subversive activities against India. At this stage, it remains uncertain from which country the suspects hail from.

Reports indicate that this unlawful trade has been active in the district for nearly two years, utilising trawlers to clandestinely transport the goods. This has sparked apprehension about possible local involvement, especially amid whispers about the alleged involvement of two persons connected to Paradip town.

The coast guard's routine patrol led to the confiscation of about 250 quintals of betel nuts. However, the arrested individuals have not yet produced any document confirming their identities, contributing to the prevailing ambiguity surrounding the case.

“Successful interception, achieved through the sustained vigilance and heightened maritime surveillance, stands as a testament to the Indian Coast Guard’s unwavering dedication to enforcing maritime law and upholding the sovereignty and security of the nation’s maritime domain,” a senior Coast Guard official earlier stated to mediapersons.

Worth mentioning, the Indian Coast Guard thwarted an attempt to smuggle betel nuts out of the country via sea. During a routine surveillance operation in the Bay of Bengal, the Coast Guard ship ‘Varad' intercepted a suspicious fishing boat leading to the seizure.

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Upon inspection, the vessel was found to be carrying at least 450 large bags of betel nuts, each weighing between 50 to 60 kilograms. The fishing boat, identified as IFB Maa Basanti (Registration No. IND-WB-DS-MM-10023) and registered at the Kakdwip fishing harbour of West Bengal, was transporting the goods without any valid permission.