Mumbai: In a major crackdown on drug trafficking cartels, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Mumbai effectively busted syndicates wherein multiple drugs have been seized and a number of key associates arrested. The week-long drive resulted in the seizure of 1.2kg (3,840 tablets) of Tramadol, 10.8 kg (13,500 tablets) of Nitrazepam, 19 kg of marijuana (ganja), and 1.150kg of high-grade hydroponic marijuana.
According to the NCB, intelligence was gathered that an international syndicate had schemed out a plan to carry out illicit trafficking of Tramadol, tablets through courier parcels from Mumbai destined for the US. Further inquiry resulted in the identification of a Mumbai-based courier office where the suspected parcel was under shipment.
“On November 10, NCB officials reached the courier office and located the parcel. Upon opening the said parcel box, Tramadol tablets were concealed, which were misdeclared as legitimate items,” an official said.
Ganja trafficking syndicate nabbed
As part of the alerted intelligence network, another tip was received about an interstate syndicate involved in sourcing ganja from the Andhra Pradesh-Odisha region, planning to transport a shipment from Dhule to Mumbai.
Further efforts led to the identification of two carriers and the bus route. Accordingly, on November 11, a field team set out towards a trap location around a bus stand in Mumbai. As the carriers de-boarded the bus, officials intercepted them.
Upon searching their belongings, officials recovered and seized 19 kg of high-quality ganja. The arrested traffickers have been in the business for the last 4-5 years and were aware of how to dodge law enforcement techniques.
Illicit contraband in 10 photo frames with religious scriptures
Information was received about an international drug trafficking syndicate that was attempting to smuggle out high-grade marijuana (commonly known as hydroponic weed) to Doha (Qatar) via courier parcel mode.
An urgent analysis led to details of the parcel which was on the verge of being uploaded as an international shipment but was immediately held back for inspection.
On November 14, NCB officials checked the parcel which contained 10 photo frames with religious scriptures. Upon closer inspection, a total of 1.150 kg of high-quality hydroponic weed was found concealed inside the frames.
Gang involved in Nitrazepam trading busted
During the investigation of a previous seizure by the NCB Mumbai, an input was analysed that indicated interstate trafficking of Nitrazepam tablets was about to take place soon.
Thorough analysis and detailed investigations led to the identification of the receiver and delivery details. On November 15, information was analysed wherein a key associate of the syndicate and a receiver were scheduled to receive a bulk consignment of Nitrazepam tablets from a specified location in Mumbai.
Officials urgently moved into the area, laid a perimeter and mounted discreet surveillance. In a short while, one person arrived at the location on a scooter and went to receive the parcel. Both the persons were nabbed and about 10.8 kg (13,500 tablets) of Nitrazepam was recovered.
