In a major drug haul, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has seized 3,600 Nitrazepam tablets (used to treat insomnia) and 270 bottles of Codeine syrup worth Rs30 lakh after busting an interstate drug syndicate. Two accused – SS Khan and M Khan – were allegedly caught red-handed with the narcotics. The syndicate has its tentacles spread across multiple states, including Maharashtra and Karnataka, said the NCB.
Acting on a tip-off that the racket is planning to smuggle contraband into Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), the anti-drug agency launched a probe and succeeded in identifying SS Khan, alleged local distributor. Soon information was gathered that he had procured consignment of illicitly-diverted prescription medicines from outside Maharashtra in regular manner for further supply to his customers.
Accordingly, a team of NCB Mumbai officials were deputed for mounting surveillance immediately. Gradual linkages indicated that S.S.Khan along with one of his close confidant named M.Khan has gone to Karnataka for purchase of a drug consignment. All intelligence sources were alerted which led to further details. On early morining of 10.05.2024, upon confirmation about possession of a drug consignment, based on analysis, a trap layout was setup at Kalyan Railway Station, Maharashtra.
Soon, after the arrival of the train, upon de-boarding from the train, the duo were immediately physically identified by NCB team. After interception at the spot and further during search, a total of 3600 Nitrazepam tablets & 270 bottles of Codeine syrup were recovered.
Accordingly, a team of NCB Mumbai officials kept a close watch on his activities, which indicated that he along with the other accused had gone to Karnataka to purchase drugs. On May 10, a trap was laid at the Kalyan station where the duo was expected to arrive. They were caught after being spotted, while alighting from the train. The ensuing search led to the discovery of Nitrazepam tablets and Codeine syrup.
During the interrogation, the duo revealed that they had planned to sell the drugs in Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan and other areas of the MMR, said the NCB, adding that one of them is also linked to another syndicate, whose few members have been caught earlier.
