Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Oct 29: In a major breakthrough against the narcotics network operating across multiple states, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Mumbai has claimed to have busted a large-scale drug syndicate, arresting four individuals including the alleged kingpin — believed to be Danish Merchant alias Danish Chikna, a close associate of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, according to reports.
Operation Begins in Pune
Acting on precise intelligence, NCB officers intercepted a suspect in Pune between September 18 and 19, leading to the seizure of 502 grams of Mephedrone, a potent synthetic stimulant.
Following this initial breakthrough, follow-up raids in Mumbai resulted in the recovery of an additional 839 grams of the drug from the residence of the alleged kingpin and his wife.
This brought the total seizure to 1.341 kilograms of Mephedrone — a significant haul in the ongoing war against synthetic drugs.
Goa Hideout and Arrest
After evading arrest for several weeks and moving across state lines, the accused couple was finally tracked down to a resort in Goa, where NCB officials apprehended them on October 25.
Sources revealed that the duo had been changing locations frequently to avoid detection, taking advantage of the high tourist influx in Goa.
A Notorious Repeat Offender
According to the NCB, the alleged kingpin is a habitual offender with a long criminal record.
He has been booked in three previous NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) cases by the NCB and Rajasthan Police, and faces seven additional criminal cases registered by the Mumbai Police.
In light of his repeated offences, Mumbai Police had earlier declared him a “Tadipar”, prohibiting his entry into the city’s municipal limits.
Crackdown Continues
The NCB Mumbai unit has stated that the investigation is ongoing to identify other members and financial backers of the syndicate. More arrests are likely as the agency continues to track the wider drug trafficking network spanning Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Goa.
“This operation marks a crucial blow to a major interstate narcotics network,” an NCB official said, adding that the agency remains committed to dismantling drug cartels operating under underworld influence.