In a major anti-narcotics operation, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has busted a large drug trafficking network in Kolkata, seizing narcotics worth around ₹26 crore and arresting 10 people, including the mastermind of the racket.
According to officials, the operation was launched in the early hours of September 12 by the Kolkata Zonal Unit of the DRI. Multiple locations, including residential premises near Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport and in the Bijaygarh area of Jadavpur, were raided simultaneously.
From the house of the alleged mastermind, officers recovered a large quantity of hydroponic weed, ganja and cocaine. Another property rented by him was found stacked with ganja packaged and ready for delivery. Four local associates, said to be responsible for the distribution and sale of drugs, were arrested from the spot. Officials also seized a significant amount of cash suspected to be proceeds from drug sales.
Investigators further revealed that one of the arrested individuals was in direct contact with foreign suppliers. In another phase of the crackdown, DRI officers apprehended four carriers at Dum Dum airport upon their return from Bangkok. Sources said three of them were women. Drugs were seized from their possession as well.
In total, the DRI seized 32.466 kg of ganja, 22.027 kg of hydroponic weed and 345 grams of cocaine.
All 10 accused, including the mastermind, foreign-returned carriers, local distributors, and middlemen, are Indian nationals. They were produced in court and booked under provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
A DRI spokesperson said that the operation underlines the agency’s commitment to dismantling organised drug cartels with both domestic and international links. “Such operations reaffirm our focus on breaking the larger drug network in the country,” a DRI official said.
The investigation is ongoing to trace the entire supply chain and identify more accomplices.
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