Mumbai, May 1: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has achieved a significant breakthrough in combating drug trafficking by uncovering an international cocaine smuggling syndicate in Mumbai and its logistics corridors. Under ‘Operation White Strike’, the agency seized approximately 349 kilograms of high-grade cocaine, valued at around ₹1,745 crore in the international illegal market. This operation was executed based on over six months of intelligence monitoring and information gathering.
Following solid inputs, multiple NCB teams simultaneously raided the logistics network stretching from Kalamboli in Navi Mumbai to Bhivandi in Thane. This led to the revelation of a highly organized transnational drug supply network utilizing warehouses and concealed transportation methods.
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah expressed his commitment to eradicating drug cartels, stating, “The NCB has cracked down on a major international drug syndicate, seizing 349 kilograms of high-quality cocaine worth ₹1,745 crore in Mumbai. This is an excellent example of a ‘bottom-to-top’ approach, where the agency identified a small consignment and captured a vast network. Congratulations to the NCB team for this significant success.”
In a press release, the NCB noted, “This successful operation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Home Minister Amit Shah reflects the government’s ‘zero tolerance’ policy against drug trafficking.”
In the first phase of the operation, NCB officials intercepted a Maruti Suzuki Super Carry (CNG) vehicle near the KWC Warehousing Complex in Kalamboli. During the search, 136 packets of cocaine, each weighing approximately 1 kilogram, were recovered. Shockingly, these packets were hidden inside cricket pads and gloves within cartons. One suspect was arrested at the scene.
Interrogation of the arrested individual led the NCB to discover another large consignment hidden in Bhivandi. Based on this information, the agency raided the Lakshman Compound in Rehanal village, Thane district, where an additional 213 packets (each 1 kilogram) of cocaine were seized.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the cocaine was imported into India concealed within special cavities in machinery. Each packet was wrapped in nine layers of polyethylene, including a layer of black, smooth material to evade detection during scanning.
The use of the Bhivandi warehouse network indicates that this smuggling operation was highly organized, developing a complete chain from machinery imports to storage in warehouses and subsequent supply.
The NCB is now conducting an in-depth investigation to reach the masterminds, financiers, handlers, and receivers involved in this entire racket. The agency believes this seizure is particularly significant, as India typically confiscates only 200-300 kilograms of cocaine annually, making this operation’s haul notably larger.
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