Mumbai crime news: NCB seizes Rs 15 cr worth of cocaine, arrests two foreign nationals

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Mumbai crime news: In a major operation, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has successfully dismantled an international drug syndicate, culminating in the confiscation of two kilograms of cocaine from a Zambian national in a Mumbai hotel. The contraband, valued at approximately Rs 15 crore, was intercepted by the NCB Mumbai team during a well-coordinated raid.

The apprehended individual, identified as LA Gilmore, had traveled from Lusaka, Zambia, to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to collect the illicit drug consignment. Upon reaching Mumbai, Gilmore checked into a hotel, where NCB officials, acting on specific information, conducted a thorough search of his room. The search revealed two kilograms of cocaine concealed in a bag.

During interrogation, Gilmore provided valuable information about intermediaries involved in the drug trade in the region. Furthermore, it was discovered that he was receiving instructions from a handler. The NCB team, leveraging this information, discreetly monitored the communication between Gilmore and his handler.

Subsequently, it was revealed that Gilmore was directed to travel to Delhi for the delivery of the narcotics. The NCB Mumbai team promptly traveled to the national capital, where they conducted surveillance in the designated delivery area. In an operation on Saturday, a Tanzanian woman named MR Augustino, intended to receive the consignment from Gilmore, was intercepted and subsequently arrested.

The investigation has unveiled the extensive reach of the international drug syndicate, spanning multiple cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Goa.

Meanwhile, on October 13, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Mumbai carried out three major operations, cracking down on both national and international drug trafficking networks. These operations resulted in the seizure of 6.959 kilograms of cocaine and 199.25 kilograms of Alprazolam, along with the arrest of nine individuals, including three foreigners.

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The first operation targeted a network involved in illicit drug trafficking from foreign sources into Mumbai, with plans for distribution to other cities like Goa, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Hyderabad. NCB-Mumbai identified a Nigerian network based in Khargar, Navi Mumbai, which had received a consignment of cocaine. During a search at the residence of Paul Ikenna, a Nigerian national, a total of 1.959 kilograms of cocaine was seized. Further investigations led to the arrest of two individuals in Surat, Gujarat, who were procuring drugs from Paul Ikenna. In the course of the investigation, a landlord from Mira Road and a bank manager were also arrested for facilitating illegal shelter and money laundering. Paul Ikenna, a habitual offender, had previous drug-related arrests dating back to 1989 and 2001. The investigation is ongoing to identify more crucial members of the network.

In the second operation, NCB-Mumbai identified a Bolivian lady named Evelina Alvarez A, who arrived in Mumbai via Dubai on October 12, 2023. She was apprehended along with another Bolivian national, Gloria Ilorca C, at a hotel in Khetwadi, Mumbai. Cocaine weighing 2.180 kilograms was recovered from Evelina's baggage, while 2.820 kilograms of cocaine was found in Gloria's belongings. The drugs were cleverly concealed among non-suspicious items such as undergarments, clothing, toothpaste, cosmetics, soap, footwear, and a makeup kit. The investigation continues, with the involvement of foreign agencies.

The third operation began with credible information and extensive field surveillance. NCB-Mumbai intercepted a vehicle on October 6, 2023, near Kanhur Mesai, Tal-Shirur, Pune. Upon inspection, a suspicious powder and laboratory equipment were discovered. Further investigation led to the discovery of a clandestine lab in a factory shed nearby, containing 173.35 kilograms of Alprazolam and a large quantity of raw materials. Another clandestine lab was found near Narayangaon, Tal-Ambegaon, Pune, with 25.95 kilograms of Alprazolam and raw materials. Both labs featured state-of-the-art equipment, reactors, generators, and dryers. These labs were operated by the same drug syndicate, and the illegal Alprazolam manufactured was distributed in Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, mainly for making illegal "Todi." Key members of the syndicate have been identified, and the investigation is ongoing. (With inputs from agencies)