International Drug Syndicate: NCB Seizes 74,000 Illicit Capsules, 2.4 Lakh Cigarettes At Mumbai Airport

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) launched a search operation at the Air Cargo Terminal, Mumbai Airport and seized 74,000 capsules (29.6kg) of illicitly diverted pharmaceutical drugs worth Rs75 lakh and 2,44,400 cigarettes linked with an international syndicate, which were destined for London, United Kingdom.

The NCB officials on Sunday said that a few days ago, input was received about an international syndicate, which is involved in the procurement of pharmaceutical drugs from India through illicit diversion and further transported it to offshore-based customers. During the initial enquiry, it was noted that bulk air cargo was being misused for transportation purpose.

Accordingly, the NCB officials further investigated the matter based on which information was gathered about another bulk consignment being transported to London. During extensive analysis and surveillance, two containers belonging to logistics companies in Andheri were identified.

Immediately, movement of both the containers were ceased at the Air Cargo terminal, Mumbai airport and the NCB team reached in the meantime. The team initiated the search of the containers, which led to the recovery of capsules and cigarettes from the container.

During the search of the other container, 2,04,400 cigarettes of multiple brands were recovered. The recovered articles were concealed among loads of other bags containing non-suspicious food items. The manifest of both the containers were checked and it was verified that the articles were mis-declared as food items.

Accordingly, all the articles were seized on the spot and illicitly diverted pharmaceutical drugs were taken into custody for in-depth investigation.

74,000 ((29.6kg)

Capsules illicitly diverted pharmaceutical drugs seized

2,44,400

Cigarettes of multiple apparently fake brands seized

London and UK

Destinations of consignments

Seized articles were misdeclared and concealed among non-suspicious food items

Seized cigarettes handed over to Customs, Mumbai

Two courier and logistics companies under investigation