Haji Salim drug network hit by ₹3,000-crore bust as India tightens coastal surveillance

October 3, 2026

New Delhi: The alleged Haji Salim drug network has suffered a major setback following the seizure of narcotics worth more than ₹3,000 crore off the Lakshadweep Islands, as intensified coastal surveillance has made several traditional maritime routes increasingly difficult to use, according to officials.

Five Pakistani nationals operating the vessel were arrested and 400 kg of methamphetamine and 126 kg of high-grade drugs were seized during a joint operation by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).

According to an official, investigations indicate that the consignment was intended to reach Tamil Nadu before being moved into international markets.

₹3,000-crore seizure deals blow to alleged network

An official alleged that Haji Salim, described as an associate of fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim, is involved in narcotics smuggling into southern states, from where drugs are allegedly moved towards Sri Lanka and countries including Thailand.

Officials said the latest seizure represents a significant setback for the network, particularly as heightened coastal surveillance has made established routes more difficult to use.

“Earlier, Gujarat was the most preferred route for the Haji Salim network. However, in recent times there have been multiple busts on this route, and the network has incurred massive losses following heightened security,” an official said.

Alternate maritime route also comes under radar

Officials said the increased surveillance along the Gujarat coast had forced the network to explore alternative routes.

The Iranian dhow carrying the latest consignment was tracked and intercepted around 160 nautical miles northwest of Lakshadweep, according to the officials.

Another official said the network could now face difficulties using the alternative southern route as coastal agencies have also increased surveillance in the region.

“The network may have spent months planning the alternate route to bypass Gujarat. However, following the latest joint operation by the Indian Coast Guard and Gujarat ATS, the Salim gang is likely to start looking for another route,” the official said.

Kerala routes face heightened surveillance

Officials said Vizhinjam near Thiruvananthapuram was previously among the preferred routes before the network shifted towards Gujarat. Multiple operations by agencies resulted in several narcotics consignments being intercepted there.

An official said surveillance at the seaport is currently at a high level, making it increasingly difficult for narcotics smugglers to operate through the route.

An Intelligence Bureau official also said the network had identified landing points in Kasargod and Malappuram in north Kerala, where coastal surveillance was comparatively lower.

However, the official said surveillance in these areas could also be increased.

Agencies remain alert over narcotics-terror links

Officials said Indian agencies cannot become complacent despite several successful operations against the network and other narcotics trafficking groups.

According to officials, the alleged syndicate is under pressure because of losses from repeated seizures and the need to fulfil demands from international buyers.

Officials also alleged links between the narcotics network and Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), claiming that a portion of drug proceeds is allegedly handed over in exchange for protection.

They further alleged that such funds are used to finance terror activities in India.

The latest seizure is therefore being viewed by officials not only as a major narcotics interception but also as a setback to the alleged financial network supporting organised drug trafficking and terror-related activities.

However, investigations into the seized consignment, its intended route and the wider network are continuing.