The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has frozen assets worth nearly Rs 3.8 crore belonging to alleged drug syndicate kingpin Danish Merchant, also known as Chikna, and his associate Henna Shah. The operation was carried out under provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators (Forfeiture of Property) Act (SAFEMA).
Details of Attached Assets
The Competent Authority in Mumbai confirmed the attachment of assets, which includes five bank accounts, one immovable property, cash, jewellery, and two vehicles. The total value of these assets is approximately Rs 3.8 crore. This action is part of the NCB's ongoing crackdown on drug trafficking networks operating in the region.
Investigation and Arrests
In September 2025, an NCB team intercepted an individual named N Gaikwad in Pune and seized 502 grams of mephedrone, a synthetic drug. The interrogation of Gaikwad led to the recovery of an additional 839 grams of mephedrone from an associate, Zohaib Shaikh, who was allegedly operating under the directions of Danish Merchant. The location was linked to Henna Shah, identified as Merchant's key accomplice in drug storage and distribution.
Merchant and Shah were subsequently arrested from a luxury resort in Goa, where they were allegedly orchestrating the supply of drugs. Another key associate, H A Shaikh, also known as Danish Pipi, who was allegedly managing distribution networks in Byculla, Dongri, Nagpada, and other areas in Mumbai, was arrested while attempting to enter the city on April 25.
Legal Framework
The freezing of assets was conducted under the NDPS Act and SAFEMA, which empower authorities to attach properties and assets derived from illicit drug trafficking. The action aims to dismantle the financial infrastructure of drug syndicates and prevent them from benefiting from their illegal activities.
The NCB continues to investigate the network and has not ruled out further arrests or asset seizures. This development underscores the agency's commitment to combating drug trafficking and disrupting the financial networks that support such criminal enterprises.
