Crew of the boat loaded with heroin identified as Pak nationals
THE eight sailors of a fishing trawler which was found carrying 232 kilogrammes of heroin have been identified as Pakistani nationals and were handed over to Porbandar police by the Indian Coast Guard late on Tuesday evening.
The Coast Guard handed over custody of the eight men to Kirtimandir police station in Porbandar late on Tuesday. After investigation, the police established that the sailors were nationals of Pakistan. Police said they recovered currency notes of Pakistan and some other proof to arrive at the conclusion that the eight men are from Pakistan.
The eight have been identified as Mohammed Baksh Sandhi (38), Abba Sandhi (30), Mohammed Ahmed Satta Sandhi (28), Maksud Machine (38), a resident of Karachi, Mohammed Gangwal (45), Mohammed Yunus Sandhi (35), Mohammed Molabaksh (30) and Gulhasan Sandhi (30).
“We have recovered Pakistani currency notes and other proof to establish that these men are Pakistani nationals. Special Operation Group (SOG) of Porbandar police are conducting further investigation,” CK Patel, police inspector of Porbandar told The Indian Express.
Sources said the heroin consignment, which is worth approximately Rs600, crore has been handed over to Narcotics Control Bureau while the boat has been handed over to customs officials.
The boat was detained by the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy in a joint operation, some 150 nautical miles off Porbandar three days ago. It was found carrying 232 kg of heroin.
Porbandar SP Girish Pandya could not be reached for comments despite several attempts.
Kirtimandir police registered a non-cognisable offence in this regard late on Tuesday. SOG is conducting further investigation.
Source:: Indian Express
