13 August,2026 04:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
NCB intercepted a passenger bus travelling from Gujarat to Mumbai on August 8 and seized 1,080 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup, weighing around 108 kg. Pic/NCB
Mumbai Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has seized 1.06 kg of charas, more than 15,000 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup and 12,240 Tramadol tablets in two operations targeting an alleged interstate drug trafficking network, officials said on Thursday, reported the PTI.
A man and a woman have been arrested in connection with the operations, which were carried out over the past few days.
In the first operation, the NCB seized 1.06 kg of charas concealed among household articles at a woman's residence in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, on Wednesday.
According to officials, the woman and her associates had allegedly procured the contraband for sale in Mumbai and nearby areas. They reportedly planned to take advantage of shortages caused by intensified drug enforcement measures and the upcoming festive season and sell the drug at higher prices, the news agency reported.
The woman was arrested and further investigation is underway to identify her associates.
In a separate operation, the NCB intercepted a passenger bus travelling from Gujarat to Mumbai on August 8 and seized 1,080 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup, weighing around 108 kg.
An alleged drug trafficker was arrested in connection with the seizure.
Officials said the consignment was allegedly being transported by bus to avoid detection and was intended for retail distribution in Mumbai, Bhiwandi in neighbouring Thane district and surrounding areas.
Following the investigation, the NCB traced the alleged distributor and searched his godown in Vadodara, Gujarat.
The operation led to the seizure of another 13,938 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup and 12,240 Tramadol tablets.
Officials also recovered fake invoices allegedly used to divert prescription-based medicines. Batch numbers on several bottles of the cough syrup were reportedly tampered with, allegedly to conceal their diversion, as per the PTI.
According to the NCB, the alleged drug trafficker, who primarily operated in Bhiwandi, had previously been arrested by Maharashtra Police in another case registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
The Gujarat-based distributor is also wanted in NDPS cases registered by the police.
The NCB said several other associates of the accused have been identified and efforts are underway to trace and arrest them, the news agency reported.
Tramadol and codeine-based cough syrups are prescription medicines with legitimate medical uses but can be misused without medical supervision.
Tramadol is an opioid medicine used for pain management, while codeine can cause dependence and affect the central nervous system. Misuse or overdose can result in serious health complications.
(with PTI inputs)
