The NCB Mumbai officials said that in their probe they found out that a courier line was used to source the drugs which were stored in Panvel.
Codeine syrup seized (left) and the arrested accused (right)/ Sourced Photo
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Mumbai has busted an interstate drug syndicate and seized over 150 kgs of codeine syrup and other narcotic substances. The authorities made a seizure and arrested one person after receiving intel about the network, operating from Mumbra in Thane district, that was illegally obtaining and distributing medicinal pharmaceuticals in Mumbai and Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
Officials said several people were involved in the widespread purchase of illegal prescription drugs from other states. They said they got this information through field research and analysis.
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The NCB Mumbai officials said that in their probe they found out that a courier line was used to source the drugs which were stored in Panvel.
"In wake of heightened security, input was gathered wherein a Mumbra, Distt-Thane based syndicate was actively involved in the procurement of illicitly diverted pharmaceutical drugs and further distributing the consignment in Mumbai and MMR. Accordingly, intensive field intelligence and analysis led to the identification of a few persons who were involved in bulk quantity procurement of illicit pharma drugs from other states. Upon further technical workout, a courier line was identified which was being misused for the transportation purpose. Gradually, a storage location for the safekeeping of the procured drugs was noted in Panvel, Distt-Raigarh. Based on the effort made, information was analysed wherein a bulk consignment of drugs was to be delivered at the storage location," said a press statement issued by Amit Ghawate, Additional Director, NCB.
It further read, "On 04.05.2024, active surveillance was mounted on the storage location area and it was informed that parcel was delivered in the location. NCB-Mumbai team maintained the discreet surveillance and awaited for the suspected person named T.M.Shafi. Later on, T.M. Shafi came into the area in a car to pick up the consignment. Subsequently, TM Shafi was intercepted by NCB-Mumbai officers and when search of the premises was taken, a total of Codeine syrup weighing 169.7 kgs and 12,400 tablets of Alprazolam were recovered."
According to the press statement issued by NCB officials, active surveillance was put in place on May 4 at the storage facility where a package arrived. After conducting covert surveillance, TM Shafi, a suspected individual, was arrested by NCB-Mumbai officers when he came to collect the parcel. 12,400 alprazolam tablets and 169.7 kg of codeine syrup were seized during a search of the property.
When TM Shafi was questioned further, he disclosed the location of another consignment in the Mumbra, Thane area. Following a search, a team from NCB-Mumbai found 10,380 tablets of nitrazepam and 9,600 tablets of alprazolam.
Shafi's car was taken away along with all other confiscated goods. More questions are being asked of Shafi, and incriminating evidence has been found during ongoing investigations. More research is being done.
"Consequently, the spot interrogation of T.M. Shafi led to the disclosure of another consignment at another location in Mumbra, Distt-Thane. Immediately, a team of NCB-Mumbai team proceeded to the area. Upon identification, a search of premises was conducted which led to further recovery of 9,600 tablets of Alprazolam and 10,380 tablets of Nitrazepam. Accordingly, all the illicitly procured contraband, the vehicle used by TM Shafi were seized TM Shafi was subjected to further questioning wherein incriminating data has been disclosed which is presently under investigation. Further investigation is underway," the statement further read.
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