In a major crackdown against drug trafficking, Mumbai’s Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) has busted an international drug network and seized high-quality Afghan hashish worth about ₹2.81 crore. Four people have been arrested in the operation. Police said the network was active for a long time and supplied drugs to India through the Nepal route. Investigators are also probing possible foreign links.
Holi Festival Demand Surge
According to police, demand for a drug known as ‘joint hash’ has risen sharply in Mumbai in recent times. Consumption of such drugs usually increases during festivals like Holi. Traffickers reportedly try to smuggle opium and hashish produced in Afghanistan into India through Pakistan and Nepal routes, as tightened border security makes direct entry difficult.
The operation was carried out on the night of February 26 at a hotel in the Andheri area. Acting on a tip-off, police raided the location and arrested four people, including two Nepalese nationals from Chitwan district. The arrested suspects have been identified as Deepak Lamba and Sundar Arun, while the other two accused are a married couple from the Vile Parle area. High-quality ‘joint hash’ was recovered from them, which contained a high concentration of narcotic chemicals.
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Investigators said joint hash is a special type of narcotic prepared by mixing hashish with tobacco or marijuana resin. It is usually consumed by smoking and its intoxicating effect can last for nearly 12 hours. Experts believe it may contain THC levels as high as 65%, making it extremely dangerous to health and strictly prohibited under the NDPS Act.
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Sources said the drug is reportedly in high demand among people attending private parties and some sections of the film industry. The growing use of hookah and cigarettes among young people along with such narcotic substances has also raised concerns. Police believe traffickers use social media and suspicious contacts to reach customers.
Pakistan Connection Probed
The investigation has also revealed that the gang was operating at an international level. Preliminary information suggests that the network may have some connection with trafficking channels based in Pakistan, though officials have avoided sharing detailed information due to security reasons. Police are now trying to determine who else was involved in the racket and how long drugs have been supplied in Mumbai.
Multiple Smuggling Routes Used
Officials said traffickers used multiple routes for smuggling. There are indications that drugs were transported through sea routes, long-distance trains, and interstate buses. Earlier in January, another drug consignment was seized from the Versova jetty area. Recently, the Bandra Railway Police also recovered about 13.834 kg of Afghan hashish from a bag, valued at several crores of rupees.
Police have appealed to citizens to immediately report any suspicious activity or drug trafficking information. Officials said action against organised drug networks will continue and investigations will be intensified to identify groups operating at the international level.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
