Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa Crime Branch has successfully busted a significant interstate narcotics supply network, arresting a key supplier from Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, following a detailed investigation that began with the arrest of three Nepalese nationals involved in drug trafficking in Goa.
On 20 May 2026, acting on specific intelligence, Crime Branch officials raided an area near the Wholesale Fish Market at Betim Jetty under the Mandovi Bridge and apprehended two Nepalese nationals allegedly involved in the supply of narcotic substances. During the operation, 39.88 grams of heroin valued at approximately ₹8.88 lakh were recovered along with a scooter and mobile phones. A case was registered under Sections 21(b) and 29 of the NDPS Act, 1985.
The accused were identified as Arjun Bishwokarma (36) and Chetkant Oli (25), both Nepalese nationals. During further investigation, a third accused, Narishore Bhandari, was also arrested.
Subsequent interrogation, along with analysis of digital and financial records, revealed a well-organised drug supply chain operating between the Indo-Nepal border region and Goa. Investigators found that heroin was being ordered from a supplier based in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, with payments routed through digital platforms. The contraband was allegedly transported via Goa–Rupaidiha bus routes, using the border town of Rupaidiha as a transit point.
Following a financial trail and technical surveillance, investigators identified the key supplier as Ekhlaq Ahmad alias Manna Malik, a resident of Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, who reportedly has multiple prior criminal cases, including murder, attempt to murder, robbery, Arms Act violations, and drug-related offences.
A joint operation by the Goa Crime Branch and Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) led to the arrest of the accused in Bahraich after coordinated interstate efforts based on precise intelligence inputs.
Officials stated that the arrest has uncovered crucial links in an interstate narcotics syndicate operating through the Indo-Nepal border region. Further investigation is underway to trace additional members of the network, establish financial linkages, and dismantle the remaining structure of the syndicate.
The operation was carried out by a team led by PI Mahesh Gadekar, PSI Madhav Naik, Kalpesh Toraskar, and PC Kritesh Kinalkar under the supervision of SP Jivba Dalvi and overall guidance of SP Crime Branch Rahul Gupta, IPS.
Goa Police reaffirmed its commitment to tackling organised drug trafficking networks and ensuring strict action against offenders operating across state borders.
