Goa, June 1: The Crime Branch of Goa Police has achieved a significant success in combating organized drug trafficking by dismantling an inter-state drug supply network. This operation led to the arrest of the main supplier from Bahraich district in Uttar Pradesh. The arrest follows a detailed investigation initiated after the apprehension of three Nepalese nationals in Goa.
According to reports, the Crime Branch conducted a raid based on specific intelligence at the wholesale fish market area near Betim Jetty, located under the Mandovi Bridge. During the operation, two Nepalese nationals involved in the illegal drug trade were arrested. Approximately 39.88 grams of heroin, valued at around ₹8.88 lakh, was seized. Additionally, a scooter and a mobile phone were confiscated. A case has been registered under sections 21(B) and 29 of the NDPS Act, 1985.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Arjun Biswakarma (36) and Chetakant Oli (25). During the investigation, another Nepalese national, Narishor Bhandari, was also taken into custody.
Through interrogation, analysis of digital evidence, and scrutiny of financial transactions, the Crime Branch uncovered an organized drug supply network operating from the India-Nepal border to Goa. The investigation revealed that the accused placed orders for heroin with the supplier in Bahraich via mobile phone. Payments were made through online banking and digital channels. Upon confirmation of payment, the supplier dispatched the contraband via the Gorakhpur-Rupediha bus service. Rupediha, located at the India-Nepal border, served as a key transit point for this network.
Based on financial and digital evidence, police identified the main supplier as Ikhlaq Ahmed, also known as Manna Malik, a resident of Bahraich. The investigation also uncovered that he has multiple criminal cases registered against him, including murder, attempted murder, robbery, violations of the Arms Act, and drug-related offenses.
In a joint operation with the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF), the Crime Branch successfully apprehended Manna Malik in Bahraich. Authorities believe that this arrest has provided crucial leads into the larger drug network operating through the India-Nepal border. The identification of other network members, sources of narcotics, and financial connections is ongoing.
The operation was led by Crime Branch officials Mahesh Ghadekar, Madhav Naik, Kalpesh Toraskar, and Kritesh Kinalkar, under the supervision of SP Jeevba Dalvi and guidance from Crime Branch Superintendent Rahul Gupta (IPS). Goa Police has stated that such actions against organized drug trafficking will continue.
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