Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Oct 20: The Mumbai Crime Branch has arrested three people and seized more than 2 kg of heroin worth an estimated Rs 10.16 crore in two separate operations, officials said on Tuesday.
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, Unit 11 of the Mumbai Crime Branch recovered a total of 2.032 kg of heroin from the three accused. The seized narcotics have an estimated market value of Rs 10.16 crore, making it a major drug seizure by the Mumbai Police.
According to officials, the first operation was conducted on October 14 in Kandivali West after the Crime Branch received information about the suspected movement of narcotics in the area. During the operation, police seized 758 grams of heroin, valued at approximately Rs 3.79 crore, from two suspects.
The investigation was subsequently expanded based on information obtained during the interrogation of the two arrested individuals.
Acting on these leads, the Crime Branch conducted another operation on October 17 and recovered an additional 1.274 kg of heroin, worth approximately Rs 6.37 crore, from a third suspect, officials said.
With the second recovery, the total quantity of heroin seized from the three accused reached 2.032 kg, with the combined estimated value of the contraband standing at Rs 10.16 crore.
The Mumbai Police have registered a case against the accused under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and launched a further investigation into the alleged drug trafficking network.
Preliminary findings indicate that the arrested individuals may be linked to a heroin-smuggling syndicate suspected to be operating across state borders, police said.
Investigators are examining the network's activities to establish the extent of its operations. They are also working to identify and trace the alleged suppliers of the seized heroin, along with other individuals suspected of involvement in the purchase, distribution and sale of the illegal narcotics.
The investigation is underway to determine the source of the contraband and establish the wider network involved in the alleged trafficking, officials said. Further details are awaited.