Goemkarponn Desk
PANAJI: In an intensified drive against international drug trafficking, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) busted a multi-drug cartel in Goa which spanned over two weeks, and arrested three persons including two Russian nationals.
Drugs along with Indian and foreign currencies, fake documents, and IDs were also seized from their possession. Along with various forms of drugs, total proceeds in cash recovery valued at Rs 488,000, USD 1829, Thai Baht 1720 were also recovered.
Based on input where it was informed that a Russian cartel was actively operating in Arambol and adjoining areas of Goa, intel network and further analysis were initiated. After extensive intel workout, a Russian lady named S.Varganova was identified who was involved in drugs peddling, only to foreigners,” said NCB Mumbai
Another Russian national named Andre was apprehended.
S Varganova was a 1980 Olympic silver medallist in swimming while Andre is an ex-cop in Russia but turned into setting up the cartel as a kingpin in Goa for a long time.
During the entire operation, different kinds of drugs, including 88 LSD blots, 8.8 grams cocaine, 242.5 grams charas, 1.440 kg hydroponic weed, 16.49 grams hash oil, 410 grams hash cake – were seized along with Rs 4.88 lakh cash, he said, adding that the NCB also recovered Indian and foreign currencies, fake documents, IDs and material required to grow hydroponic weed.
“The arrested Russian woman, S Varganova, is a 1980 Olympic silver medallist in swimming, while Andre is a former policeman from Russia. The latter has been operating a drug cartel in Goa since a long time. He had visited many cities to spread his network and had been managing the well spread network of street peddlers,” the NCB said.
Along with the Russian nationals, local citizen Akash has also been arrested, the official said, adding that further investigation was on.
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