Drugs In Floor Mats, Bedsheets: NCB Seizes 10.99 Kg Ephedrine, Busts International Trafficking Network
Drugs In Floor Mats, Bedsheets: NCB Seizes 10.99 Kg Ephedrine, Busts International Trafficking Network Reported By, Last Updated: July 26, 2026, 16:30 IST According to
Drugs In Floor Mats, Bedsheets: NCB Seizes 10.99 Kg Ephedrine, Busts International Trafficking Network Reported By, Last Updated: July 26, 2026, 16:30 IST According to the NCB, the operation began after Mumbai zonal officers developed specific intelligence about a syndicate using forged identities to send Ephedrine overseas Rapid Read The seized drugs. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has busted an international drug trafficking network by seizing 10.99 kg of Ephedrine, a controlled substance valued at around ₹5 crore, that was being smuggled to New Zealand through international courier parcels. One key accused has been arrested from Chennai in connection with the case. According to the NCB, the operation began after Mumbai zonal officers developed specific intelligence about a syndicate using forged identities and fake documents to send Ephedrine overseas. The traffickers allegedly travelled to different cities, including Mumbai and Pune, to book international courier consignments in an attempt to avoid detection and mislead enforcement agencies.
Acting on the intelligence, NCB officers intercepted two suspicious courier parcels in Mumbai on July 21. The consignments, declared as floor mats, initially appeared ordinary. However, a detailed examination revealed that the mats had been specially modified to conceal 7 kg of Ephedrine between multiple layers of fabric and cloth rolls. Investigators also found that the documents accompanying the parcels were forged. The investigation soon led officers to Chennai’s Triplicane area, where the suspected handler of the network was traced. During searches at the premises, NCB officials arrested S. Hameed and recovered packing materials, a digital weighing machine, heat-sealing equipment, plastic bags, forged identity cards, electronic gadgets and other incriminating documents believed to have been used in the smuggling operation. During questioning, Hameed allegedly disclosed details of another courier parcel that was already in transit to New Zealand.
Acting swiftly, NCB intercepted the consignment in Kalyan district of Maharashtra on July 25. The parcel contained another 3.99 kg of Ephedrine, concealed using a similar technique inside bedsheets and photo frames. With the latest seizure, the total recovery stands at 10.99 kg of Ephedrine. Officials said Ephedrine is a controlled pharmaceutical substance with limited legitimate medical use but is widely diverted by drug syndicates for the illegal manufacture of Methamphetamine, a highly addictive synthetic narcotic. Investigators are now working to identify the source of the chemical and track other members of the trafficking network. The NCB said the operation reflects its continued crackdown on organised drug syndicates involved in international trafficking. Further investigation is underway to identify the entire supply chain and establish overseas links behind the smuggling attempt. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Mayuresh Ganapatye Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories.
The BriefWire