The Narcotics Control Bureau has dismantled an interstate narcotics syndicate operating across Jharkhand and other major Indian cities, arresting five persons and uncovering communication trails linking the network to Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Following operations conducted in Ranchi and Jamshedpur on October 14 and 15, the agency seized quantities of suspected cocaine, MDMA, and cannabis. Officials also recovered vehicles and financial instruments, expanding their investigation into hospitality venues that allegedly served as distribution points for party drugs.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Rajat Jain, Akash Malhotra, Sneha Paswan, Udit Kumar, and Milan Singh. Investigators believe Jain operated as the key coordinator of the network, using foreign mobile numbers associated with Britain, Thailand, and the United States to arrange drug consignments and manage logistics. The syndicate reportedly maintained distribution channels spanning Ranchi, Jamshedpur, New Delhi, Mumbai, and parts of Rajasthan. Following preliminary questioning, all five suspects were remanded to judicial custody.
Surveillance Leads to Initial Interceptions and Arrests
The operation commenced on October 14 after the central agency received actionable intelligence regarding a syndicate trafficking synthetic drugs and cocaine across several states. Acting on the information, an enforcement team established surveillance near Ranchi Railway Station Road. Around noon, officials intercepted a white Hyundai Accent near a food plaza, detaining Jain and Kumar inside the vehicle.
A search of a bag located near the driver seat led to the recovery of 18 packets containing 18 grams of suspected cocaine, along with 15 packets carrying 15 grams of suspected MDMA. Questioning of the two men prompted immediate follow-up actions across Ranchi. Jain revealed that a portion of the contraband was earmarked for Akash Malhotra, who was promptly traced and arrested. A subsequent raid at a flat in the Bodeya area of Ranchi led to the arrest of Sneha Paswan, alongside the seizure of two MDMA tablets and 3.5 grams of cannabis.
Supply Chain Expands to Jamshedpur Distributor
On October 15, the agency extended its crackdown to East Singhbhum, conducting a targeted raid in the Jugsalai area of Jamshedpur. Officers arrested Milan Singh, also known as Milan Kumar, who is suspected of managing cocaine distribution within Jamshedpur.
During the search, officials seized packaging materials, a vehicle, and personal banking documents, including a cheque book, a passbook, and a debit card. Investigators are currently scrutinizing these records to reconstruct the financial transactions tied to the network and trace inter-state monetary flows. Enforcement teams are working to establish the primary procurement sources for the contraband, alongside the identities of regional bulk buyers.
Establishments Summoned Over Distribution Links
The probe has widened to examine party circuits in Ranchi, following admissions by the suspects that synthetic drugs were supplied to private gatherings at commercial venues. The agency has issued formal summons to several local hotel and bar operators, including Aniruddh Budhia, owner of Ruin House in Morabadi, and Siddhant Suman, also known as Nishu, associated with Rocks Bar.
Both operators have been instructed to appear before the agency on October 26 to submit their explanations. Officials noted that the issuance of summons does not automatically confirm criminal liability, as investigators must first verify the statements of the accused and establish whether venue operators possessed knowledge of the illicit trade. Proceedings remain underway as authorities seek to identify further associates in the international supply network.
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