 |
|
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has dealt a significant blow to drug trafficking operations in India with the recent seizure of a substantial quantity of cocaine and the arrest of two individuals involved in the illicit trade. The agency's vigilance and strategic investigation led to the discovery of 82.52 kg of high-grade cocaine in Delhi's Janakpuri and Nangloi, marking a major victory in the fight against narcotics. The seizure was made on November 14 following the interception of a parcel containing a smaller amount of cocaine destined for Australia at a courier shop in Delhi.
The NCB's investigation into the intercepted parcel revealed a sophisticated smuggling operation run by a syndicate based abroad. The agency's investigations uncovered a network of individuals, primarily 'hawala operators,' who utilized pseudonyms and anonymity to conduct their drug dealing activities. This intricate network facilitated the illicit transportation of cocaine, highlighting the complexities and challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in combating transnational drug trafficking. The NCB's investigation zeroed in on two key operatives of the syndicate operating in India, both residents of Delhi and Sonepat (Haryana), leading to their arrests.
In a separate operation, the NCB made a significant seizure of Codeine Based Cough Syrups (CBCS) destined for Bangladesh. The agency intercepted a consignment of CBCS and apprehended an international drug trafficker named Gautam Mondal in Kolkata. Mondal was wanted in connection with a previous seizure of 14,998 bottles of CBCS, known by the brand name Phensedyl. Mondal's involvement in gold smuggling in the past, investigated by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, demonstrated his expertise in illicit cross-border operations. The NCB's investigation revealed that Mondal had transitioned to smuggling CBCS, sourced from Uttar Pradesh and diverted from legal channels, into Bangladesh. His history as a habitual offender, with three prior cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act by the West Bengal Special Task Force, highlights the persistence of drug trafficking networks and the need for sustained efforts to dismantle them.
Source: NCB seizes 82.52 kg of cocaine, arrests two operators