Pramesh S Jain
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has busted a major international syndicate involved in the illicit trafficking of Khat leaves following a sustained intelligence-driven operation.
The operation resulted in the seizure of approximately 160 kg of Khat leaves,valued at around Rs.8 Crore.This is the largest seizure of Khat in Karnataka since its inclusion as a psychotropic substance under the NDPS Act in 2018.
Preliminary investigation indicates that the contraband was smuggled into India through an international route originating from Ethiopia to India via Kenya, pointing to the involvement of a well-organised transnational drug syndicate operating across more than 20 countries, including Ethiopia,Kenya,and Middle East.
The syndicate sent over 550 parcels weighing approximately 2,100 kg to North America,Europe,the Gulf countries and Middle East.
Information on the in-transit parcels is being shared with agencies in respective countries for action at their end.
NCB has taken strict action against the traffickers of Khat leaves,Psychotropic drugs,despite being a less popular/Consumed drug in India.
Further investigation revealed that the syndicate was using the international postal and courier system to import bulk consignments of Khat,camouflaged as routine commercial items such as tea.
The network operated through multiple layers, using storage and distribution points within Bengaluru to break bulk and distribute smaller quantities.
The syndicate comprised predominantly foreign nationals,assisted by local facilitators, with several members residing in India under the guise of student and medical visas.
This case has exposed the scale and sophistication of the drug trafficking syndicate operating across multiple nations the need for inter-agency coordination in addressing the menace of drug trafficking across the world.
