NCB busts international drug trafficking syndicate, seizes 160 kg worth ₹8 crore

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) busted a major international drug trafficking syndicate allegedly involved in the illicit smuggling of khat leaves and seized around 160 kg of the psychotropic substance valued at approximately ₹8 crore.

This is the largest seizure of khat in Karnataka since it was notified as a psychotropic substance under the Narcotic Drugs and Psycotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in 2018, officials said.

The seizure was based on intelligence-driven operation, which revealed a well-organised transnational drug syndicate operating across more than 20 countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, and several Gulf countries.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the contraband was smuggled into India through an international route originating in Ethiopia, transiting via Kenya, before reaching Bengaluru. The syndicate allegedly exploited the international postal and courier network, camouflaging bulk consignments of khat as routine commercial goods such as tea consignments to evade detection.

The NCB officials revealed that the syndicate had dispatched over 550 parcels weighing nearly 2,100 kg to destinations across North America, Europe, and the Gulf countries Information regarding the in-transit consignments has been shared with enforcement agencies in the respective countries for coordinated action.

The probe further revealed that Bengaluru served as a key storage and distribution hub, where bulk consignments were broken down into smaller quantities for onward distribution. The network functioned through multiple layers, involving storage points, couriers, and local facilitators.

The syndicate primarily comprised foreign nationals, aided by Indian associates. Several accused were found to be residing in India under the guise of student and medical visas, the officials added.

Despite khat being less commonly consumed in India, the NCB has taken strict enforcement action against its trafficking.

The officials said the case has exposed the scale, reach, and sophistication of international drug trafficking networks and underscored the critical need for inter-agency and cross-border cooperation to combat the global drug menace.

Further investigation is under way to identify additional members of the syndicate and trace financial routes.