The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has detained a habitual offender, Rahul Shedge, under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act as part of a crackdown on organized narco-criminal networks. Shedge was intercepted on May 27 and subsequently lodged in the designated jail at Taloja Central Prison.
History of Drug Trafficking
According to an NCB statement, Shedge has been engaged in the trafficking and preparation of illicit drugs, leading to his arrest four times by law enforcement agencies, including the NCB and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). He possesses thorough knowledge in chemistry and first turned to drug trafficking in 2009, when he was arrested by DRI Mumbai for involvement with multiple drugs such as Alprazolam, Nordazepam, Amphetamine, and Diazepam.
After being released on bail, Shedge continued his drug trafficking activities. He was arrested by NCB Mumbai in 2012 in a major ketamine trafficking case that spanned multiple cities. Despite these arrests, he persisted in drug trafficking and was arrested again in 2018 by DRI Mumbai for attempting to manufacture illicit drugs.
Recent Arrest and Preventive Detention
In 2025, Shedge was arrested by NCB Mumbai for the illicit manufacturing of a chemical precursor used in the synthesis of ketamine. He had set up a chemical laboratory in Raigad district and conducted processes to manufacture a chemical compound, a stage prior to making the finished product, in an attempt to avoid detection under the NDPS Act.
Recognizing the need to put a stop to his activities, the Narcotics Control Bureau diligently pursued a PIT-NDPS proposal against him, which provides for preventive detention. This action aims to prevent Shedge from continuing his involvement in the illegal drug trade.
