In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, the Mumbai division of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) seized drugs worth Rs. 200 crore in a raid at Belapur, Navi Mumbai. Four individuals involved in the smuggling network have been arrested.

According to officials, the NCB's Mumbai Zonal Unit (MZU) had earlier seized 200 grams of cocaine in January from an international courier agency in Mumbai. The drugs were being smuggled to Australia, leading to the arrest of an accused. Based on technical surveillance and confidential informants, the NCB traced the drug source and uncovered a major syndicate operating from Belapur.

Acting on this intelligence, NCB officials raided a house in Belapur on January 31, where they seized 11.540 kg of high-grade cocaine, 4.9 kg of hydroponic marijuana, 200 packets (5.5 kg) of cannabis, and Rs.1.6 lakh in cash. Three individuals were arrested during the raid, while further investigations led to the arrest of a fourth suspect.

Preliminary findings suggest that the syndicate is operated by individuals based overseas. The drugs, allegedly sourced from the United States, were being smuggled into Mumbai before being distributed across India and internationally via couriers, small cargo shipments, and human carriers. Investigators also revealed that the suspects communicated using code names to conceal their identities and transactions.

The Local Crime Branch has launched a further probe into the syndicate's network, aiming to track down additional operatives involved in this international drug trafficking operation.