NCB-Mumbai busts major drug syndicates, seizes huge quantity of cocaine and alprazolam worth Rs 135 crore

Pic/NCB-Mumbai

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Mumbai has successfully 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.

An official said, "The collective amount of the total seizure is around 135 crore. In all a total number of nine persons were arrested including three foreigners."

Operation 1:

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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.

Operation 2:

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.

Operation 3:

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.