NCB seizes ₹5 crore ephedrine in Kalyan and Mumbai, arrests kingpin

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Mumbai zonal unit has busted an international drug trafficking network following the seizure of 10.99 kg of ephedrine worth an estimated ₹5 crore from Mumbai and Kalyan. The operation led to the arrest of the alleged syndicate kingpin in Chennai after officers intercepted parcels containing the precursor drug bound for New Zealand.

The NCB first intercepted two suspicious international courier parcels at a facility in Mumbai on Tuesday after receiving specific intelligence inputs. Upon inspecting the parcels, which appeared to contain ordinary floor mats, officials discovered 7 kg of ephedrine cleverly hidden between layers of the mats and cloth rolls. Investigators noted that the shipping documents attached to the consignments were forged.

Through document tracing, officials linked the suspicious parcels to Triplicane in Chennai, leading to the arrest of alleged kingpin S Hameed on Thursday. A search of his premises in Chennai yielded packing material, a digital weighing scale, heat-sealing equipment, plastic bags, forged identity cards, and digital gadgets. Hameed was subsequently brought to Mumbai for further questioning.

During interrogation, Hameed allegedly revealed that another consignment carrying ephedrine was already in transit to New Zealand. NCB officers acted on the disclosure and intercepted the package in Kalyan on Saturday, recovering an additional 3.99 kg of ephedrine concealed inside bedsheets and photo frames.

According to the NCB, the syndicate had been under surveillance for several weeks. Investigators revealed that network members traveled to multiple cities, including Mumbai and Pune, to book international courier parcels using forged identity documents to mislead law enforcement agencies.

Ephedrine is a controlled substance regulated under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Regulation of Controlled Substances) Order. Although it has limited legitimate medical applications, the chemical is frequently diverted by criminal networks to illegally manufacture methamphetamine, a synthetic stimulant commonly known as "Ice", "Crystal Meth", or "Speed".

Officials said the seized consignments were intended for recipients in New Zealand, where methamphetamine is among the most widely trafficked illegal narcotics. The agency is continuing its investigation to trace the original source of the ephedrine and identify other individuals involved in the trafficking network.