 "Gujarat coast used for narcotics smuggling: Congress")
The Congress Sunday accused Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi of major security lapses in his state's coastal region leading to narcotics smuggling.
"On 22nd/23rd April, 1,032 kg of heroin valued at 289 million Australian dollars was seized by the Australian Coalition Maritime Forces from a Gujarat-registered ship Laxmi-Narain off the coast of Kenya," Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi told media here.
He said the ship was allegedly chartered in October 2013 to Gujarat-based Haji Bashi alias Haza Bhai Kathiriyain, whose brother Haji Ajij Kungda is an eminent leader of the BJP in Jamnagar district's Salaya city.
Singhvi alleged that the ship was used for terrorist activity.
"According to Terry Morrison, the commander of the naval ship belonging to Coalition Maritime Forces, which seized Laxmi-Narain, these drugs assist terrorist organisations, including Al Qaeda to conduct violent acts," Singhvi claimed.
He accused the Bharatiya Janata Party's prime ministerial candidate of failing to utilise the grants allotted by the central government and ensure coastal security.
"Has the state government failed to provide even minimum apparatus support facilities and diesel to Marine police in Gujarat for its boats," he asked.
BJP spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi rubbished the accusations, saying the Coast Guard comes under the central government.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app