Mumbai: NCB seizes contraband worth Rs 3.5 crore, three held

The officials from the Mumbai Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in three separate operations last week have seized 4.950 kg of Methaqualone, 870 gm of high grade Bud or Hydroponic weed, 88 kg of good quality ganja, two vehicles totally worth Rs 3.50 crore and apprehended three suspects.

According to the NCB, on August 2, hydroponic weed weighing 870 gm was seized from a courier parcel from the Foreign Post Office (FPO). The parcel was sent from the USA and was destined to a Nagpur based receiver. On August 5, Methaqualone weighing 4.950 kg was seized from a courier office in Mumbai, which was destined to New Zealand. The said parcel was booked from Nagpur.

"Since Nagpur was a common location for both the consignments, a team was dispatched to Nagpur for follow up investigation of both the cases. Various aspects are being analysed and enquiries are being conducted to identify the syndicates involved in the said international drug trafficking cases," said an NCB official.

In the intervening night of August 7-8, an inter-state drug trafficking syndicate was neutralized by an NCB team in Karjat, Raigad district near the expressway.

"Reliable sources had indicated possible transportation of bulk quantity drug across the states in the region by an active drug syndicate. The intelligence network was immediately activated which resulted in identification of the persons who were tasked to carry out the transportation. Based on previous history and other details, the route and vehicles were analysed. After the suspected vehicle was identified, it was stopped and upon searching the vehicle, a total of 88 kg of high quality Ganja was recovered from false cavities created inside the vehicle," the official said.

He added that the spot questioning of the suspect, led to the apprehension of two more persons from a highway side dhaba. The duo was on a bike and was tasked to receive and guide the transporter to the destination in Mumbai. The consignment, sourced from Andhra Pradesh was meant for further distribution to the local peddlers based in Mumbai and suburban areas. The accused are seasoned traffickers and were into the illicit drug business for more than four years. While planning a consignment delivery, they used to change not only the contact numbers but also the vehicular number plates to avoid physical tracking by enforcement agencies. The trio is being interrogated to gather further information about other peddlers, supply links and key associates to completely dismantle the remaining network.