NCB Busts Major International Drug Syndicate Operating From Pune, Two Arrested
Pune 12th August 2023: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) unit of Mumbai has busted a major international drug syndicate operating from Pune. During the investigation of three different cases the NCB officials came across in the last few days, a particular pattern of parcel movement which were finally destined to Pune from foreign countries was revealed.
The NCB officials have nabbed the receivers including two from Pune and a total of 1.403 kgs MDMA (2917 tablets), 0.26 gms LSD (24 blots) and 1.840 kgs finely curated Hydroponic Weed were seized. Besides, involvement of one more accused who was already in custody has also been revealed.
In one such operation, the NCB team arrested an accused identified as S.Kashyap from Pune with the help of local ATS team on August 10. “Initial information was gathered about an international syndicate which was actively sketching plans to traffick multiple exotic drugs from Europe and USA. Accordingly, various intelligence sources were alerted with special emphasis on technical surveillance. Soon, on 23/05/2023, a suspected parcel sourced from the UK to Pune was tracked and intercepted at FPO, Mumbai. When the parcel was opened 100 nos. of blue coloured MDMA tablets and 24 nos. of LSD blot papers were recovered which were carefully concealed inside black coloured portable audio system. After prolonged extensive investigation and analysis, one person named S.Kashyap was identified” NCB officials said in a statement.
During the investigation it was revealed that Kashyap was also involved in illegal business in shady areas with personal gang members. After he was arrested, the further investigation revealed that he was procuring the drugs from his foreign based handler in lieu of commission and was also involved in further sale in the Pune area. The NCB officials are further investigating the matter that indicates a larger network.
In another case, NCB team came across a Pune based syndicate that was procuring high value party drugs from far off countries. Accordingly, the officials intercepted a parcel at Mumbai that was sourced from the USA on July 4. “When the carton was opened, four nos. of similar tin cans were found. When one of the can was opened, greenish fibrous lumpy plant product was found which when tested, indicated to be Hydroponic Weed. Similar products were recovered from other three cans also which collectively weighed a total of 1.840 kgs finely curated Hydroponic Weed. Preliminary investigation led to the identification of a Pune based receiver named Adnan F” NCB said.
Adnan was apprehended on July 27 and it was noticed that the syndicate was involved in organizing high society parties in Pune and MMR region in which the illicit drugs were being supplied for consumption. Soon, another Pune based person was identified who was a close associate of Adnan F. During investigation, the person was revealed to be involved in multiple crimes with an ongoing NDPS case also registered against him in Mumbai.
In another operation the NCB team intercepted a parcel sourced from the Netherlands at Mumbai on July 21. ” Upon checking the carton contents, numerous household and cloth items were found. Upon careful scrutiny of each item, a battery operated neck massager and two tin metal food cans were noticed to be abnormal. Thereafter after closer inspection, when the battery operated neck massager was disassembled, one packet containing pink coloured floral shaped tablets were recovered. Accordingly, when the tin cans were opened, one can was containing packet of similar pink coloured tablets and the other can had a mix of pink and green coloured tablets of similar floral shape. When the tablets were checked, they were found to be MDMA tablets. When counted, a total of 2817 nos. of MDMA tablets (1.363 kgs) were recovered” NCB said.
Further investigation of the case led to the identification of a person namely Arjun G from Nalasopara, Palghar who was supposed to receive the parcel. Arjun was already in jail in a case related to the NDPS act. Follow up investigation led to information gathering that the person had already procured a few more parcels before being arrested. Credible evidence was gathered which convincingly indicates that the seized drug was finally destined for Arjun G which was seized by NCB-Mumbai.
“During investigation of all the cases, particular patterns of parcel movement which were finally destined to Pune were noticed. It would be pertinent to mention that the assistance from the Customs Mumbai department to sort out the suspected parcels were noteworthy who were made aware about the new modus and trends of concealment recently in a special drive. Further in depth investigation pertaining to usage of dark web and cryptocurrency is being investigated to to trace out remaining associates and other assets evolved from drug money is being done” NCB said.
