India launches 'Operation Sagar Manthan' to target 'Lord of Drugs' Haji Salim

India's Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has launched Operation Sagar Manthan, to dismantle the vast drug empire of wanted smuggler Haji Salim, also known as the "Lord of Drugs." According to reports, the high-stakes operation has been launched at the directions of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The operation has already resulted in the seizure of nearly 4,000 kilograms of illicit drugs and the arrest of multiple Pakistani nationals tied to Salim's cartel, reports news agency ANI.

Haji's global nexus of trafficking

Haji Salim, aka Haji Baloch, is suspected to be behind one of the most expansive drug networks globally.

Narcotics Control Bureau Deputy Director General Gyaneshwar Singh said,"Haji Salim is one of the biggest drug traffickers in the world, who supplies large shipments of heroin, methamphetamine, and other illegal narcotics through a complex network that spans across Asia, Africa, and the West."

"He has a very big network. He has been on our radar for a long time, but in this case, I would not like to comment on Haji Salim’s name or anyone else’s name because the investigation is still at a very initial stage," he added.

However, Singh refrained from disclosing details about Salim’s current status, citing the early stages of the investigation.

"He is one of the most wanted drug kingpins in the Indian Ocean region. His operations are vast, and the scale of his trafficking syndicate is unparalleled," he said.

Salim’s criminal activities extend across several countries, including India, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and the Maldives.

"Salim's network is linked to narco-terrorism activities that destabilise the region. His drugs are not only a menace to society but also fund terror operations across borders," added Singh.

'Raktbeej' of the drug trade

First exposed in 2015, Salim's network has eluded law enforcement despite major seizures, including drugs worth an estimated Rs 40,000 crore ($4.734 million), over the past two and a half years. His ability to continuously rebuild his operations has earned him the ominous nickname 'Raktbeej' — a reference to an entity from Hindu mythology that regenerates from its spilled blood.

As per ANI, Salim's shipments are often identified by unique markings like "777," "555," and "999" and flying horses or scorpions signalling their origin within his network. His cartel relies heavily on maritime routes, employing small vessels to smuggle drugs to India's obscure coastal areas under the cover of darkness.

Links to Dawood Ibrahim and ISI

Authorities have linked Salim to fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim, with reports placing him at Dawood’s Karachi mansion. Intelligence sources suggest Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) aids Salim by providing satellite phones for communication with his agents at sea. Additionally, Salim reportedly recruits unemployed youth from Balochistan to execute his smuggling operations.

(With inputs from agencies)