When drug smuggling grows uncontrollably

Everyone might be surprised about the news of DRI’s arrest of a person from Kochi, who smuggled drugs worth Rs.1,476 crore under the cover of importing oranges. Revenue intelligence nabbed him with 198 kg of Crystal Methamphetamine and 9 kg of cocaine that can fetch up to crores in the international drug market. The investigation into the drug routes brought the investigation officers reached Vijin Varghese hailing from Ayyampuzha panchayat in Kaladay.

Only more investigations into the fruits business run by Vijin Varghese together with this brother can reveal more details about the dark secrets of drug smuggling. The banned drug was confiscated from a box of oranges that were imported from South Africa. Vijin Varghese’s company Yemito International Foods India Private Limited has branches in Johannesburg and Mumbai. The company is registered in Kalady. The depth of Vijin’s involvement in the drug sale can only be found out after further investigations. Besides South Africa, his company imports fruits from Turkey and Brazil.

Drug smuggling like this is being caught at a time when the nation is carrying out a big fight against harmful and life-threatening drugs. The news of the confiscation of drugs worth Rs.2000 crore off the coast of Gujarat made headlines a few months back. There is no limit to the flow of drugs into the country through the land, sea, and even air. However, only a small part of this is being caught by the authorities. The rest reaches every corner of the country. There are many groups all over the country that are able to ship these drugs to foreign countries.

Usually, the rivalries, vendettas, and betrayals among drug smugglers lead to tip-offs for investigating agencies. The authorities must see to it that these drug smugglers are brought to justice. The drug mafia’s activities can result in the destruction of a generation. Recently, our small state is also getting involved in drug trail, which is something to be cautious of.

Only strict vigilance and checking can limit drug smuggling to a degree. There must be state-of-the-art machinery to detect drugs at airports, seaports, railway stations, and in border areas. Genuine and loyal officers must be recruited to man these posts. Every facility to do their job must also be provided.