In a bold initiative, India’s Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has launched Operation Sagar Manthan to target the extensive drug cartel run by notorious smuggler Haji Salim, infamously known as the “Lord of Drugs.”

Directed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, this operation aims to dismantle Salim’s global drug-trafficking network. Officials report the seizure of nearly 4,000 kilograms of illegal narcotics linked to Salim’s cartel, alongside the arrest of several Pakistani nationals connected to the haul.

Salim’s criminal network is believed to operate a vast drug pipeline spanning multiple countries, including India, Pakistan, and beyond. Regarded as one of the world’s most prolific drug traffickers, he oversees the shipment of heroin, methamphetamine, and other illegal substances across Asia, Africa, and the West through an intricate network.

“He is a top player in the drug trade and has been under our radar for a long time. However, as the investigation is in its early stages, I cannot comment further on his name or involvement,” an official stated.

Salim’s syndicate allegedly smuggles massive quantities of narcotics across regions such as India, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. His network’s reach has drawn attention from international law enforcement agencies, including those in the United States, Malaysia, Iran, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, New Zealand, and Afghanistan.

“Haji Salim is one of the most wanted drug kingpins in the Indian Ocean region. His operations are vast, and his trafficking syndicate is unparalleled in scale,” said an NCB official.

Authorities further claim that Salim’s operations are tied to narco-terrorism, with proceeds from drug sales fueling terror activities. His influence has earned him the moniker “Raktbeej” in the global drug trade, symbolizing his ability to regenerate operations despite significant setbacks.

The first major breakthrough against Salim’s syndicate occurred in 2015 when a large drug consignment was intercepted off Kerala’s coast. Since then, narcotics worth ₹40,000 crores have been seized in just two and a half years. Despite these efforts, Salim continues to run his illegal empire.

A signature of Salim’s network is the use of uniquely marked drug shipments, including symbols like 777, 555, 999, flying horses, and scorpions, making his cargo easily identifiable.

Intelligence reports suggest that his shipments often originate in Iran, transit through Afghanistan and Malaysia, and reach Sri Lanka, where smaller vessels carry them to India’s coastline under the cover of darkness, using obscure ports and beaches for unloading.

Salim is also believed to have ties with fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim. Sources claim he was seen entering and leaving Dawood’s mansion in Karachi, Pakistan. However, apart from an old photograph and a Karachi address near Ibrahim’s hideout, authorities have limited information on Salim’s whereabouts.