Illegal supplies to foreign ships busted off Odisha’s Paradip coast, lakhs seized in midnight op

In a major crackdown on illegal maritime activities, Paradip Marine Police have busted a covert operation involving the unauthorised supply of goods to foreign ships anchored offshore. 

According to reports, smugglers were operating under the radar of customs authorities and were involved in illegally transporting various materials, raking in crores in untaxed earnings.

How Were the Materials Supplied Illegally?

The illegal supplies were reportedly being routed from the Nehru Bungalow Fishing Harbour in Paradip to foreign vessels anchored in the deep sea.

Goods, including large quantities of industrial pipes and motors, were being secretly loaded onto fishing boats and delivered mid-sea to the ships. 

Further, these supplies were being made without customs clearance, leading to massive revenue loss for the exchequer.

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Goods Worth Rs 10 Lakh Seized

Acting on a tip-off, the Paradip Marine Police conducted a surprise late-night raid at the fishing harbour.

During the operation, they seized industrial equipment valued at around Rs 10 lakh, including pipes, motors, and a pick-up van used for transporting the items to the harbour. 

Police confirmed that the goods were being illegally smuggled out via local fishing vessels.

Three Held, One Absconding

Three individuals have been arrested so far in connection with the smuggling operation; one more accused is currently on the run.

Among those detained are the driver and owner of the pick-up van, as well as the owner of the boat used in the supply chain. 

Till the last reports came in, all of those nabbed were being interrogated to uncover the full extent of the racket and identify other collaborators involved.

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No further comments were received from the concerned authorities.