Draft:Visakhapatnam Drug Bust Controversy

In March 2024, a significant drug trafficking operation was uncovered at Visakhapatnam Port, following a tip-off from Interpol. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) seized a large shipment of "inactive dried yeast" imported by Sandhya Aqua Exports, a local company. The container, originating from Brazil, was declared as 25,000 kg of yeast intended for shrimp feed production. However, a thorough inspection revealed that a substantial portion of the consignment contained hidden narcotics, including cocaine and methaqualone, masked by the yeast. This discovery marked a key moment in Operation Garuda, a global initiative by the CBI targeting international drug cartels. Despite initial findings, Sandhya Aqua Exports has denied any involvement in drug trafficking, maintaining that the shipment was legitimate. As the investigation progresses, the company has cooperated with authorities, but the final forensic results are yet to be disclosed. The case has drawn significant attention, with political parties in Andhra Pradesh accusing each other of involvement, further complicating the investigation. With authorities now probing potential links to international smuggling networks, the investigation remains ongoing.

Background

Visakhapatnam Port, located in Andhra Pradesh, is one of India's busiest ports and a significant hub for international trade. Given its strategic importance and proximity to maritime drug trafficking routes, the port has been under surveillance by Indian law enforcement agencies for potential misuse by criminal networks.

As part of its global initiative, Operation Garuda, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been actively targeting international drug cartels. This operation leverages intelligence inputs from Interpol to intercept illegal narcotics shipments. In March 2024, based on credible information, the CBI launched an investigation into a consignment declared as "inactive dried yeast" imported by Sandhya Aqua Exports, a Visakhapatnam-based private company.

Events Leading Up to the Raid

On March 16, 2024, a shipping container from Santos Port, Brazil, arrived at Visakhapatnam Port after transshipment at Hamburg Port, Germany. The consignee, Sandhya Aqua Exports, declared the cargo as 1,000 bags of inactive dried yeast weighing 25 kg each, totaling 25,000 kg. The yeast was reportedly intended for use as fish feed in shrimp farming.

Acting on a tip-off from Interpol, the CBI identified the consignment as suspicious. Intelligence suggested the involvement of an international criminal network using cutting agents, such as yeast, to mask narcotics. On March 19, a CBI team from the Economic Offenses Department, aided by local customs and port authorities, initiated a thorough inspection of the container.

The operation marked a significant move under Operation Garuda, focusing on dismantling transnational drug trafficking networks.

Raid on Visakhapatnam Port

The raid commenced on March 19, 2024, and extended into March 20. Upon arrival at the port, the CBI team found the container sealed. It was opened in the presence of representatives from Sandhya Aqua Exports, including authorized personnel such as RVLN Giridhar, Puri Srinivasa Krishnamacharya Srikant, and K Bharath Kumar.

Using a Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) drug detection kit, the team conducted preliminary tests. Random samples from 20 bags across the 20 pallets tested positive for narcotics, including cocaine and methaqualone. The CBI’s preliminary report claimed narcotic substances were mixed with the inactive dried yeast.

Subsequent inspections covered a broader selection of the shipment, with 70% of the bags reportedly testing positive. The container, along with the remaining samples, was sealed and handed over to customs for safekeeping. Samples were sent to the Customs laboratory for confirmatory testing.

Despite the initial findings, Sandhya Aqua Exports maintained that the consignment was a legitimate order for fish feed, certified by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Supply in Brazil. The company pledged full cooperation with the investigation.

Company's response and Political reactions

Sandhya Aqua Exports Ltd responded to the allegations following the seizure of its shipment at Visakhapatnam Port, emphasizing that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had not confirmed the presence of narcotics in the consignment, as results from testing were still pending. The company clarified that it had imported dry yeast from a reputable supplier in Brazil for use in shrimp feed production, and both the supplier and Sandhya Aqua were cooperating with authorities. The company also addressed the issue of a company bus found with documents and a hard drive, explaining that the bus had simply broken down and was returned to them after a police inspection. Sandhya Aqua denied any involvement in illegal activities and requested public restraint until the investigation was complete.

The political fallout from the incident has been significant, with the ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) and opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) accusing each other of involvement or interference in the case. The TDP pointed to a CBI report claiming delays caused by state officials and port employees, which they linked to possible YSRCP involvement in the drug trade. Meanwhile, the YSRCP highlighted the connection between Sandhya Aqua’s founder and TDP sympathizers, fueling accusations of the opposition party’s involvement. Both parties have used the incident to score political points ahead of local elections, with calls for further investigations into potential drug trafficking connections.

Aftermath and Investigation

Following the seizure of the container at Visakhapatnam port in March 2024, the investigation into the narcotics hidden within the dried yeast shipment remains ongoing. The CBI, acting on an Interpol tip-off, confirmed the presence of drugs in the consignment, but the final forensic test results are still pending. Sandhya Aqua Exports, the company that imported the shipment from Brazil, has denied any knowledge of the drugs, stating that the yeast was ordered for its shrimp feed production business and that both the company and the Brazilian supplier are cooperating with the authorities. Although the company has not been formally charged, its executives have been questioned by the CBI, with authorities scrutinizing financial records, payments, and company documents. The investigation also uncovered a company bus containing relevant documents, which was later returned after verification. While political speculation has arisen, with some linking Sandhya Aqua to local political figures, the focus of the investigation remains on identifying the individuals involved in the drug smuggling operation. The case continues to unfold, with authorities working to confirm the extent of the narcotics involved and determine any criminal networks behind the smuggling.