The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Mumbai, has seized 1.341 kg of mephedrone and arrested four persons, including a drug syndicate kingpin and his wife, following an intelligence-based operation spanning Maharashtra and Goa.

According to an official release issued by the agency on Wednesday, the operation began after actionable intelligence led NCB Mumbai to intercept a suspect in Pune on the intervening night of September 18 and 19. From his possession, officers recovered 502 grams of mephedrone, a synthetic stimulant commonly known as ‘MD’.

During the subsequent follow-up action, the agency seized another 839 grams of mephedrone from a drug associate at the Mumbai residence of the alleged kingpin and his wife. Both were found to be operating a drug distribution network and had been absconding since the initial seizure.

The couple reportedly travelled across several states to evade arrest. After sustained intelligence efforts, NCB officers traced them to a holiday resort in Goa. On October 25, 2025, a team intercepted and apprehended both from the resort.

Investigations revealed that the kingpin is a habitual offender with a history of drug-related crimes. He has previously been booked in three NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act cases registered by the NCB and Rajasthan Police. Additionally, Mumbai Police have registered seven other criminal cases against him. The accused has also been declared a “Tadipar” by the police, prohibiting him from entering Mumbai’s municipal limits. 

NCB officials said the latest seizure underscores the bureau’s sustained efforts to combat organised drug trafficking and safeguard public health. “The Narcotics Control Bureau reaffirms its commitment to disrupt drug trafficking and allied criminal activities to achieve the vision of Nasha Mukt Bharat by 2047,” the agency stated.

The NCB has also urged citizens to actively participate in the fight against narcotics trafficking by sharing information on the sale or movement of drugs through the National Narcotics Helpline (MANAS) by calling toll-free number 1933. The agency assured that the identity of informers will be kept confidential.

Seven arrested with brown sugar in Odisha`s Khurda

Seven people were arrested with brown sugar in Odisha`s Khurda district, news agency PTI reported, quoting police.

Based on a tip-off, a raid was conducted at a house in Daleisahi village in the Bolagarh Police Station area, they said.

A total of 314.97 gram of brown sugar worth over Rs 30 lakh was seized, SP Vivekananda Sharma said.

Six men and a woman were arrested in the operation, he added.

Among the other items seized were Rs 4 lakh, five vehicles, and a country-made gun, added Sharma.

(With PTI inputs)

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