Vizag Port Drugs Case: On Hold Till Election Results?

On March 16th, a container carrying nearly 25,000 kg of dried yeast from Brazil reached Visakhapatnam port. It was suspected that drugs were hidden in the dried yeast in the container. Acting on Interpol’s information, a CBI team from Delhi launched an investigation. On March 19 and 20, Delhi CBI officials conducted the probe.

In the presence of a judge, officials collected samples from the dried yeast bags. These samples were sent to the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) to determine the quantity of narcotics in each kilogram of yeast. After a preliminary investigation, the CBI initially confirmed the presence of prohibited narcotics concealed in the dried yeast. This caused a nationwide uproar.

Sandhya Aqua Exports is identified as the company that imported the yeast for the production of shrimp feed. The CBI had registered a case against Sandhya Aqua Exports and some unidentified individuals. Later, the CBI stated that it was awaiting reports from three laboratories, which were expected in three weeks. It’s been over two months, and still, there is no progress in the case, raising several eyebrows. The lack of action so far has raised questions.

For further investigation, the CBI teams reportedly went to Brazil. What did the CBI investigation reveal? Meanwhile, another team conducted inspections at industries in Mulapeta and Vajrakut in Kakinada District related to Sandhya Exports. During this time, a company bus carrying records, cheque books, and vouchers broke down. Local police handed these over to the management instead of the CBI, raising suspicions.

Additionally, the CBI decided to store the container in a location that could withstand all weather conditions. However, it remains at the Visakhapatnam Container Terminal Private Limited (VCTPL) examination point.