National
04 Jun, 2026
Agencies will coordinate with each other to check illegal activities at Kolkata port: Suvendu
Business To Business, Kolkata, 4th June, 2026: Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday announced a coordinated initiative involving multiple agencies to strengthen surveillance and security at the Kolkata port area and curb smuggling and other illegal activities.
Multi-agency monitoring mechanism
According to the Chief Minister, the following agencies will jointly monitor activities at the port:
- Central intelligence agencies
- State intelligence agencies
- Central Industrial Security Force
- Customs Department
- Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port
- Kolkata Police
The objective is to improve coordination and prevent the smuggling of narcotics and other illegal goods through the port.
Allegations regarding past operations
Addressing a press conference at Nabanna, Adhikari alleged that illegal activities had flourished at the port under the previous state administration due to inadequate coordination among enforcement and port agencies.
He claimed that:
- Syndicate operations and extortion networks were active in the port area.
- Certain local councillors allegedly played a role in facilitating such activities.
- Repeated seizures of drugs and contraband from vessels highlighted weaknesses in the monitoring system.
Focus on coordination
The Chief Minister argued that the lack of effective coordination between the police, CISF, and port authorities had contributed to security lapses.
The proposed joint-monitoring framework is intended to:
- Enhance intelligence sharing.
- Improve surveillance of cargo and shipping activities.
- Strengthen enforcement against smuggling networks.
- Ensure faster response to security threats and illegal operations.
Broader maritime push
The announcement comes alongside the West Bengal government's broader efforts to strengthen maritime infrastructure and governance, including proposals for new port development, expansion of inland water transport, and the possible creation of a dedicated shipping wing within the state administration.
The new monitoring arrangement is expected to play a key role in improving security and regulatory oversight at one of eastern India's most important maritime gateways.