Narcotics found in 20 parcels sent from abroad

The city's cybercrime branch and customs department have unearthed an international drug trafficking syndicate with a highly unusual modus operandi, which allegedly sent cocaine and high-quality processed international cannabis worth about Rs 50 lakh into the country using a private courier from America, Thailand and Canada. 

The drug traffickers were concealing the contraband in toys, notepads and books. 

A joint operation conducted by customs officials and the cybercrime branch recovered 2.31g of cocaine, which police valued at Rs 2.31 lakh, and 5.97kg of high-quality processed international cannabis, which they estimate to be worth Rs 46.08 lakh.

These drugs were concealed in 20 parcels, 18 were sent from the US, with one packet each dispatched from Thailand and Canada.

Through regular monitoring of cyberspace by crime branch and the customs department, intelligence was received that traffickers are using the dark web and social media platforms to deliver narcotics across borders. 

A joint team was set up which successfully intercepted several courier parcels.On checking the parcels, the contraband was found," additional commissioner of police Niraj Badgujar said. 

These parcels were sent using false names and addresses.

The packets would be picked up by the receiver before they reached the delivery addresses.

Officials said a few receivers have been identified and the investigation is ongoing. 

The trafficking network, which spans Canada and the United States, uses the dark web and social media to distribute drugs, often at parties and social gatherings.