The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has successfully dismantled a significant interstate drug trafficking network that was operating from Bengaluru, dealing in the stimulant plant known as khat or miraa. The operation culminated in the seizure of a massive 1.5 tonnes of fresh khat, valued at several lakhs of rupees in the illicit market.
The Bust and Key Arrest
Acting on specific intelligence, the Bengaluru zonal unit of the NCB carried out a meticulously planned operation. The breakthrough came with the arrest of a key suspect, Abdisalam Omer Ahmed, a 28-year-old Ethiopian national. Ahmed was apprehended in the Jigani area on the outskirts of Bengaluru. He is alleged to be a central figure in the network, responsible for the storage and distribution of the contraband.
The seizure was made from a godown, indicating the scale and organized nature of the operation. Khat, derived from the Catha edulis plant, contains cathinone and cathine, substances classified as narcotic drugs under India's Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
Modus Operandi of the Network
Investigations by the NCB have revealed a sophisticated supply chain. The network was allegedly sourcing the khat from specific regions in Kenya and Ethiopia. The consignments were then smuggled into India through international airports, including those in New Delhi and Mumbai, using air cargo services.
Once inside the country, the narcotic was transported to Bengaluru, which served as the central hub for storage and further distribution. From here, the network supplied the khat to various other Indian cities, catering to a diaspora community familiar with the substance. The fresh leaves and shoots are typically chewed for their stimulant effects, which are similar to amphetamines.
Wider Implications and Ongoing Probe
This bust highlights a growing concern over the trafficking of khat into India. The NCB has stated that the network had been active for a considerable period, establishing deep roots. The arrest of Ahmed and the seizure of such a large quantity is expected to deal a severe blow to this particular syndicate's operations.
The agency is now intensifying its probe to identify and apprehend other individuals involved, including the financiers and those handling the logistics of international smuggling. They are also investigating the financial trail and digital footprints to completely unravel the network's architecture. This case underscores the continuous efforts of central agencies to combat the menace of drug trafficking, which often exploits international routes and modern logistics.
The successful operation by the NCB's Bengaluru team demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated intelligence work in tackling organized drug crime, preventing a large quantity of narcotics from reaching consumers and disrupting a lucrative illegal trade.
