India’s Narcotics Bureau busts major drug trafficking network, seizes 35 kg heroin, arrests alleged Nigerian kingpin and seven others

India’s Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Saturday, May 28, said it had broken a major drug trafficking network with the arrest of eight people including a Nigerian national, three women and the seizure of 34.89 kg of heroin.

The Nigerian man, who was accused of being from Delhi, has been identified as “kingpin”.

“The network was jointly acquired by the Delhi, Indore and Bengaluru areas, coordinated by officials at NCB headquarters,” the official said.

The operation began on May 24 after an anti-drug organization arrested two Zimbabwean female passengers, according to a NCB statement.

NCB officials in Bengaluru seized 7 kg of heroin, which was hidden under the suitcase of a single woman traveling from Zimbabwe to Bengaluru at Kempegowda International Airport on May 24. He was arrested along with a female co-worker. , said the statement.

During cross-examination, the suspects revealed that a similar bag had been kept in their possession.

A subsequent search led to the confiscation of 6.89 kg of heroin hidden in a bag. Further investigation into the network revealed that three other female passengers carrying the same items boarded the Rajdhani Express from Bengaluru to Delhi.

The NCB worked on intelligence, infiltrated the carriers and found them landing near Italy in Madhya Pradesh. Following the lead, the Indore zonal team seized 21 kg of merchandise in three trolley bags and tied up three women in a dormitory.

During cross-examination, the suspects revealed that a similar bag had been kept in their possession.

A subsequent search led to the confiscation of 6.89 kg of heroin hidden in a bag. Further investigation into the network revealed that three other female passengers carrying the same items boarded the Rajdhani Express from Bengaluru to Delhi.

The NCB worked on intelligence, infiltrated the carriers and found them landing near Italy in Madhya Pradesh. Following the lead, the Indore zonal team seized 21 kg of merchandise in three trolley bags and tied up three women in a dormitory.

The kingpin would arrange corporate tickets and pay for other travel expects of the carriers. Further probe may result in more arrests and seizures in the case are likely,” said a senior official.

It is suspected that the seized heroin is of Afghan origin, apparently first trafficked to Mozambique through sea route from Pakistan, and then smuggled into India by air.