Bhubaneswar: In a major crackdown on organized maritime fuel smuggling, the Paradeep Marine Police in Odisha’s Jagatsinghpur district has busted an illegal deep-sea diesel trafficking network during a special enforcement operation carried out in the coastal jurisdiction of Paradeep.
According to Jagatsinghpur Police, around 3,500 litres of illegally trafficked diesel were seized during the operation. Police also confiscated a motor-operated boat and other materials allegedly used in the smuggling activity.
One accused has been arrested in connection with the case, while efforts are underway to trace and apprehend other members of the network, including the alleged mastermind behind the operation, Jagatsinghpur Police said in a detailed post on X.
Police said preliminary investigation suggests that the smuggling racket was operating through unauthorized fuel exchanges in deep-sea areas. Officials believe the illegal activity poses serious threats to coastal security as well as economic interests.
The seizure was made as part of a focused enforcement drive launched by Paradeep Marine Police to crack down on unlawful maritime activities along Odisha’s coastline.
Further investigation into the diesel smuggling network is currently underway.
