Amidst the bustling port of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, a significant discovery has been made by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Unveiling a substantial haul, CBI officials have uncovered a clandestine amalgamation of narcotics entwined with 25,000 kilograms of desiccated yeast. This revelation has sparked allegations from CBI officials, pointing fingers at both state authorities and port administrators for purportedly impeding the investigative process.
Reports suggest that CBI operatives, in conjunction with Customs authorities, apprehended a container bearing the seal designation “LA13224348 of Ocean Network Express” at Visakhapatnam port on March 12, as part of an operation codenamed ‘Operation Garuda’. This action followed intelligence alerts regarding illicit narcotics trafficking within the port’s vicinity.
Subsequent scrutiny of the container unveiled a concoction of narcotics concealed within 1000 bags, each weighing 25 kilograms, amidst an inventory of Inactive Dried Yeast. Sources indicate that the container originated from Santos Port in Brazil and was earmarked for delivery to Visakhapatnam under the guise of a private enterprise.
An official statement confirms the initiation of a First Information Report (FIR), signaling an ongoing investigation into the matter. Notably, the FIR implicates the Andhra Pradesh government and port officials in purportedly obstructing the investigative process.
During the examination procedure, the presence of various state officials and port personnel at the site resulted in procedural delays, as cited by the CBI. Allegedly, representatives of the importing entity cited weather forecasts predicting rainfall, urging the retention of goods within the container to avert potential damage.
The CBI alleges that port authorities were coerced into breaking the container seal in the presence of onlookers, subsequently exposing its contents. Following this, the contents of the container, comprising 1000 bags, were systematically removed under observation. Subsequently, Stan R.V.L.N Giridhar, the Authorized Representative of Sandhya Aqua Exports Private Ltd, accompanied by Shri Puri Srinivasa Krishanamacharya Srikant and Shri K. Bharath Kumar, were briefed on the purpose of the visit and the available information.
Despite being offered personal searches, the aforementioned individuals declined. Further scrutiny involved the examination of randomly selected bags using the NCB Narcotic Drugs Detection Kit. Positive results indicative of the presence of cocaine/methaqualone were obtained from all 20 bags, prompting inquiries from the importer’s representative, Mr. R.V.L.N Giridhar, who professed ignorance regarding the composition of the imported item.
Following the completion of narcotic testing procedures, the contents were repackaged under the supervision of the importer’s representatives and other relevant parties. Subsequently, all pallets were reloaded into container number SEKU 4375380 and secured with seal number WHLR759168.
