Panaji: The crime branch of Goa police has busted an alleged interstate narcotics supply network by arresting a key supplier from Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, following an investigation that began with the arrest of three Nepal nationals involved in drug trafficking in Goa.Acting on specific intelligence on May 20, the crime branch conducted a raid near the wholesale fish market at Betim jetty under the Mandovi bridge and apprehended two Nepal nationals allegedly involved in the supply of narcotic substances.During the operation, officers seized 39.8 grams of heroin valued at around Rs 8.8 lakh, along with a scooter and mobile phones.SP, crime branch, Rahul Gupta said the arrested persons were identified as Arjun Bishwokarma, 36, and Chetkant Oli, 25.Gupta said that during the investigation, the crime branch also apprehended a third Nepal national, Narishore Bhandari. Detailed interrogation of the accused, analysis of digital evidence and scrutiny of financial transactions exposed an organised narcotics supply chain extending from the Indo-Nepal border region to Goa.“Investigation revealed that the accused persons would place orders for heroin with a supplier based in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, through mobile communication. Payments for the narcotic substance were allegedly made through online banking and digital payment platforms. Upon confirmation of payment, the supplier would dispatch the contraband through parcels sent on direct Goa–Rupaidiha bus services,” Gupta said.He said Rupaidiha, located on the Indo-Nepal border, was allegedly used as a key transit point for narcotics before their distribution in Goa.Following the financial trail, examination of digital evidence and technical surveillance, officers identified the alleged principal supplier as Ekhlaq Ahmad alias Manna Malik, a resident of Bahraich. Further inquiry revealed that Malik has multiple criminal antecedents, including cases of murder, attempt to murder, robbery, Arms Act offences and narcotics-related crimes.Gupta said the crime branch developed intelligence on the movements and hideouts of the accused. Based on specific inputs, a joint operation was launched in Bahraich district with assistance from the Uttar Pradesh special task force (STF), leading to Malik’s arrest.“The arrest has unearthed critical links in an interstate narcotics network operating through the Indo-Nepal border region. Further investigation is underway to identify additional members of the syndicate, trace the origin of the narcotics, establish financial linkages and dismantle the entire network,” Gupta said.
