Major Drug Trafficker Naeem Chichkar Detained by NCB in Mumbai

Mumbai, June 17: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has taken significant action against international drug trafficker Naeem Gurunath Chichkar, detaining him in Mumbai.

On June 16, 2026, the NCB implemented a detention order issued by the Revenue Department’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Smuggling Prevention Division on May 15, 2026. Following this, Chichkar was transferred from Yerwada Central Jail in Maharashtra to Puzhal Central Jail in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

According to the NCB, Chichkar is a habitual drug offender involved in the trafficking of substances like cocaine, hydroponic marijuana, cannabis gummies, and LSD. He has been arrested four times by various agencies, including the NCB and Navi Mumbai Police.

In 2021, he fled India after a case in Mumbai involving the seizure of marijuana and commercial quantities of LSD. He subsequently established contacts with international drug suppliers while residing in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, the UAE, and Vanuatu, continuing to operate a trafficking network targeting India.

In January 2025, a major operation by the NCB in Mumbai led to the seizure of 11.540 kilograms of cocaine, hydroponic marijuana, and cannabis gummies. Investigations revealed that Chichkar was the mastermind behind the supply of cocaine from the USA to India while operating from Thailand.

His name also emerged in another cocaine seizure case in January 2025 and in the Navi Mumbai Police’s investigation into hydroponic marijuana trafficking.

Following a request from the NCB, Interpol issued a Red Notice against him. He was deported from Malaysia to India in May 2025, where the NCB arrested him.

The NCB has also frozen assets worth over ₹10 crore, believed to be acquired through drug trafficking.

Investigating agencies believe that if granted bail or released, Chichkar could re-engage in drug trafficking, posing a threat to social and public order. This led to the preventive action taken against him.

The NCB stated that the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act serves as an effective legal tool against organized and habitual drug traffickers, preventing them from resuming illegal activities.