Due to enormous profits involved in smuggling, hundreds of persons have been attracted towards this anti-national activity. Some of them became millionaires overnight. India has a vast coastline both on the Eastern and Western Coast. It has been a heaven for smugglers who have been carrying on their activities with great impunity. There is no doubt, that from time to time certain seizures were made by the enforcement authorities, during raids and ambush but even allowing these losses the smugglers made huge profits. The passage best supports the statement that

The passage discusses the lucrative nature of smuggling, the vast coastline of India, and the enforcement authorities' attempts to curb smuggling, but it also highlights that smugglers continue to make huge profits despite these efforts. Here's the analysis of the options based on the passage:

1. Option A - smuggling hampers the economic development of a nation:
   • The passage does not specifically discuss the impact of smuggling on the economic development of the nation. It focuses on the profits involved and the efforts to curb smuggling, but it does not mention the broader economic consequences.
   
   
   • This option is not directly supported by the passage.


2. Option B - smuggling ought to be curbed:
   • While the passage indicates that the authorities are making some efforts to curb smuggling, it does not explicitly state that smuggling "ought to be curbed." The focus is more on the smuggling activities and profits, rather than on a recommendation or statement about curbing it.
   
   
   • This option is partially supported, but not the strongest answer.


3. Option C - authorities are taking strict measures to curb smuggling:
   • The passage mentions that there have been seizures made by enforcement authorities during raids and ambushes. However, it also states that despite these efforts, smugglers are still making huge profits, implying that these efforts may not be fully effective.
   
   
   • This option is partially supported but not fully aligned with the passage's description of the authorities' efforts.


4. Option D - smuggling is fast increasing in our country owing to the quick profit it entails:
   • The passage emphasizes the enormous profits involved in smuggling and the attraction it holds for individuals, with some becoming millionaires overnight. It also points out the ongoing smuggling activities despite the enforcement efforts, which suggests that smuggling is increasing due to the quick profits it brings.
   
   
   • This option is strongly supported by the passage.


5. Final Answer:
   • The best supported statement by the passage is D. smuggling is fast increasing in our country owing to the quick profit it entails.