DRI Mumbai seizes foreign cigarettes worth over Rs 8 crores, key syndicate members apprehended

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 27 : In a crackdown on smuggling activities, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Mumbai Zonal Unit (MZU) seized a staggering 53.64 lakh foreign-branded cigarette sticks worth more than Rs 8 crores.
According to DRI, the operation, which targeted a syndicate operating in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai areas of Maharashtra, resulted in the apprehension of the mastermind and his associate, along with the contraband.
"Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Mumbai Zonal Unit (MZU) simultaneously searched multiple premises in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, being operated by a syndicate purported to be involved in the smuggling of cigarettes and other contraband DRI," DRI said.
"This action of DRI resulted in the seizure of 53.64 lakh foreign-branded cigarette sticks valued at Rs 8.04 crores. The mastermind of the syndicate along with his associate was apprehended along with the contraband," it added.
On May 22, the Anti Narcotics Cell of Mumbai's Worli unit arrested a Nigerian national and seized drugs worth Rs Rs 80 lakhs from his possession from Madanpura in South Mumbai, officials said.
The cell recovered 200 grams of MD and 50 grams of cocaine from the 50-year-old Nigerian national.
According to the information received from the Mumbai Crime Branch, while patrolling in the Madanpura area of Nagpada, a person was seen standing in a suspicious condition.
"When the police went near him and investigated, cocaine drugs were recovered from him," Mumbai police said.
A case has been registered against him under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act).
The arrested accused was presented in the court where the court sent the accused to police custody till today.