Mumbai, May 1: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has achieved a significant victory in its fight against drug trafficking. In a major operation named ‘Operation White Strike,’ the agency uncovered an international cocaine smuggling ring and seized approximately 349 kilograms of high-grade cocaine, valued at around ₹1,745 crore in the illegal global market. This operation was the result of over six months of intelligence gathering and surveillance.
Following credible inputs, multiple NCB teams conducted simultaneous raids across a logistics network stretching from Kalamboli in Navi Mumbai to Bhivandi in Thane. This operation revealed a highly organized transnational drug supply network that utilized warehouses and concealed transportation methods.
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah expressed his support on social media, stating, “We are determined to completely eradicate drug syndicates. The NCB has successfully seized 349 kilograms of high-quality cocaine worth ₹1,745 crore in Mumbai, showcasing a ‘bottom-to-top’ approach where the agency detected a small shipment and captured a vast network. Congratulations to the NCB team for this significant success.”
In a press release, the NCB noted, “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Home Minister Amit Shah, this successful operation reflects the government’s ‘zero tolerance’ policy against drug trafficking.”
During 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, they discovered 136 packets of cocaine, each weighing approximately 1 kilogram. Shockingly, these packets were concealed inside cricket pads and gloves within cartons. One suspect was arrested at the scene.
Interrogation of the arrested individual led the NCB to another substantial consignment hidden in Bhivandi. Based on this information, the agency raided the Lakshman Compound in Rehanal village, Thane district, where they recovered an additional 213 packets (each 1 kilogram) of cocaine.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the cocaine was imported into India concealed within specially made cavities in machinery. Each packet was wrapped in nine layers of polyethylene, including one layer of a black, glossy substance 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 the import of machinery to storage in warehouses and subsequent distribution.
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 typically only 200-300 kilograms of cocaine are confiscated in India annually, and this operation alone has surpassed that amount.
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