NCBMumbai Raids:�Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Mumbai successfully carried out three major operations, cracking down on national and international drug trafficking networks. These operations resulted in the seizure of 6.959 kg of cocaine and 199.25 kg of alprazolam. Along with this, nine persons including three foreigners were also arrested. According to media reports, the value of the seized drugs is approximately Rs 135 crore. A total of nine people, including three foreigners, were arrested in this syndicate. Officials have given this information to the media.
Success achieved in three major operations
According to media reports, in the first operation a network involved in illegal drug trafficking from foreign sources was targeted in Mumbai. Which had plans of distribution in other cities like Goa, Bengaluru, Delhi and Hyderabad. NCB-Mumbai identified a Nigerian network based in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, which had received the cocaine consignment.
Two people arrested from Surat
A total of 1.959 kg of cocaine was seized during the search at the residence of Nigerian national Paul Ikenna. Further investigation led to the arrest of two persons in Surat, Gujarat, who were purchasing drugs from Paul Ikena. During the investigation, a Mira Road landlord and a bank manager were also arrested on charges of facilitating illegal shelter and money laundering. Paul Ikenna, is a habitual criminal. Earlier, he was arrested in drug related cases in 1989 and 2001. Investigation is ongoing to identify other members involved in this gang.
The consignment of drugs had reached Mumbai via Dubai
In the second operation, NCB-Mumbai identified a Bolivian woman named Evelina Alvarez A, who arrived in Mumbai via Dubai on October 12, 2023. She was caught with another Bolivian national, Gloria Ilorca C, at a hotel in Mumbai’s Khetwadi. Cocaine weighing 2.180 kg was recovered from Evelina’s luggage, while 2.820 kg of cocaine was found from Gloria’s luggage. The drugs were cleverly hidden among non-suspicious items such as undergarments, clothes, toothpaste, cosmetics, soap, shoes and a make-up kit. Investigation is ongoing in this case with the involvement of foreign agencies.
Big success was achieved on 6th October also
At the same time, NCB-Mumbai stopped a vehicle near Pune on October 6, 2023. On searching the vehicle, a suspicious powder and laboratory equipment were found in it. Further investigation also revealed a secret laboratory in a nearby factory shed. Which contained 173.35 kg of Alprazolam and a large quantity of raw material. Another clandestine laboratory was found near Narayangaon, Tal-Ambegaon, Pune with 25.95 kg of Alprazolam and raw material.
Both laboratories include state-of-the-art equipment, reactors, generators and dryers. These laboratories were run by the same drug syndicate, and the manufactured illicit alprazolam was distributed mainly in Maharashtra, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to make illegal “toddies”. Key members of the syndicate have been identified and investigation is underway.
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