Mumbai – The Waliv Police in Vasai have successfully dismantled a significant drug trafficking network that originated in Nepal and supplied illegal substances to the Vasai-Virar region through India’s rail network. In a major breakthrough, authorities arrested two men and recovered contraband worth approximately ₹2 crore from the international market, marking a significant victory in the ongoing battle against narcotics in the Mumbai metropolitan region.
This drug trafficking network operated with sophisticated methods, using multiple concealment techniques and exploiting the proximity of Bihar’s border villages to Nepal for smuggling operations. The bust represents months of intelligence gathering and strategic police work that finally culminated in exposing the extensive supply chain.
Initial Raid Leads to First Arrest
On the night of October 8, 2025, Waliv police conducted a targeted raid in the Khairpada area of Vasai East, acting on credible intelligence about illegal drug sales. The operation resulted in the arrest of Irfan Suleman Khatri, 70, at his residence based on a tip-off that he was illegally selling hashish from his home, functioning as a local distributor for the drug trafficking network.
During the search of Khatri’s premises, police seized 1,088 grams of hashish, a mobile phone, and ₹16.47 lakh in cash. The substantial amount of currency recovered indicated the profitable nature of this drug trafficking network and suggested the involvement of additional operatives. The mobile phone seized from Khatri provided crucial digital evidence that helped investigators trace connections to other members of the syndicate.
Investigation Uncovers Larger Conspiracy
Further investigation into Khatri’s activities revealed the involvement of another individual in the drug trafficking network. Tabrez Amin Mian Khan, 25, a resident of Bhiwandi, was arrested on Friday following intensive interrogation and analysis of the evidence gathered from the first arrest. Khan’s role proved to be crucial in understanding how the smuggling operation functioned across state and international borders.
The investigation revealed that Tabrez served as a key courier in this drug trafficking network, personally traveling to Nepal to procure illegal substances. His arrest provided authorities with valuable insights into the operational methodology of the syndicate and its cross-border connections.
Sophisticated Smuggling Operation from Nepal
According to police investigations, Tabrez would undertake trips twice a year to his native village in Amdoi, located in the East Champaran district of Bihar, which sits just eight kilometers from the Nepal border. This strategic location made it ideal for the drug trafficking network to operate with minimal detection while maintaining easy access to Nepali suppliers.
From his village, Tabrez would travel into Nepal, where he established connections with drug suppliers. He would purchase two to three kilograms of contraband during each trip before smuggling the drugs back into India. The drug trafficking network employed sophisticated concealment methods to avoid detection during transportation.
Ingenious Concealment Techniques Exposed
The investigation into this drug trafficking network revealed highly sophisticated concealment methods that allowed the smugglers to transport contraband undetected through India’s busy rail network. Tabrez concealed drugs in everyday consumer items including boxes of soap, tea leaves, perfume bottles, and toothpaste tubes, making detection extremely difficult during routine checks.
This clever packaging strategy allowed the drug trafficking network to move large quantities of narcotics from Nepal to Bhiwandi via train, from where the drugs were distributed to various locations including Vasai-Virar. Police seized 1,386 grams of hashish, 1,050 grams of marijuana, cash, and a mobile phone from Tabrez during his arrest.
Legal Action Under NDPS Act
Police have registered a comprehensive case under multiple sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, to ensure the drug trafficking network faces the full force of law. The charges include Section 8(a) covering prohibition of certain operations, Section 20(b)(1)(a) addressing sale, purchase, and inter-state transport of cannabis, and Section 29 dealing with criminal conspiracy in offenses relating to narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances.
These serious charges reflect the gravity of the offenses committed by the drug trafficking network and carry substantial penalties upon conviction, including lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Prospects
According to investigating officer Vishwas Rao Babar, the evidence suggests that large quantities of drugs are being smuggled from Nepal through this drug trafficking network. The search for other accused individuals in the case remains ongoing, with authorities confident that intensive interrogation of the arrested suspects will reveal additional conspirators and operatives.
“This action is a strong message to drug traffickers. Intensive interrogation of both accused is ongoing, and it is hoped that the investigation may uncover a major smuggling network linked to Nepal,” stated a senior police officer involved in the operation against this drug trafficking network.
Significance of the Bust
The successful dismantling of this drug trafficking network represents a significant achievement for the Waliv police and sends a powerful deterrent message to other criminal syndicates operating in the region. The ₹2 crore worth of seized contraband represents drugs that will never reach consumers, potentially saving countless lives from the devastating effects of substance abuse.
The case also highlights the increasing sophistication of drug trafficking network operations in India and the need for continued vigilance and inter-state cooperation. As investigations continue, authorities remain committed to identifying and prosecuting all individuals involved in this extensive drug trafficking network, ensuring that justice is served and the supply chain is permanently disrupted.
