Mumbai Crime Branch seizes 2 kg heroin worth ₹10.16 crore, 3 arrested
Synopsis
Mumbai Crime Branch's Unit 11 ran two back-to-back operations in Kandivali West, recovering over 2 kg of heroin worth ₹10.16 crore and arresting three people. Preliminary findings point to a cross-border smuggling syndicate — and the chain only unravelled because the second raid was triggered by leads from the first arrest.
Key Takeaways
Mumbai Crime Branch Unit 11 seized 2.032 kg of heroin worth ₹10.16 crore across two operations.
First operation on 14 October in Kandivali West netted 758 grams worth ₹3.79 crore and led to the arrest of two suspects .
A follow-up raid on 17 October , based on interrogation leads, recovered 1.274 kg worth ₹6.37 crore from a third suspect .
All three accused have been charged under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act .
Preliminary findings suggest the accused may be linked to a cross-border heroin-smuggling syndicate ; investigation is ongoing.
Mumbai Crime Branch's Unit 11 seized 2.032 kg of heroin worth an estimated ₹10.16 crore across two separate operations, arresting three individuals in the process, officials said on Tuesday, 20 October 2026. The operations, conducted in Kandivali West, Mumbai, represent one of the more significant narcotics hauls by the city's crime branch in recent months.
How the Operations Unfolded
The first operation was carried out on 14 October in Kandivali West, following specific intelligence inputs about suspected narcotics movement in the locality. During that raid, officers recovered 758 grams of heroin valued at approximately ₹3.79 crore and detained two suspects.
Interrogation of those two individuals led investigators to a third suspect. Acting on those leads, the Crime Branch conducted a follow-up operation on 17 October, recovering an additional 1.274 kg of heroin worth approximately ₹6.37 crore. The combined seizure from all three suspects totalled 2.032 kg, with a combined estimated street value of ₹10.16 crore.
Legal Action and Charges
The Mumbai Police have registered a case against all three accused under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Investigation is ongoing, with officials confirming the case has been formally lodged and further inquiry is underway.
Cross-Border Syndicate Suspected
Preliminary findings suggest the three arrested individuals may be linked to a heroin-smuggling syndicate allegedly operating across state borders, according to officials. Investigators are currently examining the full scope of the network's activities. This comes amid a broader national pattern of cross-border narcotics trafficking routes targeting major metropolitan centres.
What Investigators Are Pursuing
The police are working to identify and trace the suppliers who allegedly furnished the seized consignment, as well as other individuals suspected of involvement in the purchase, distribution, and sale of the contraband. The source of the heroin — including whether it originates from known trafficking corridors — is also under active investigation. Further details are awaited as the probe develops.
Point of View
If substantiated, would elevate this well beyond a routine narcotics bust. The real measure of success here will not be the ₹10 crore headline figure but whether investigators can reach the supply chain's upper tiers. Mumbai has seen several high-value drug seizures this year, yet convictions at the syndicate level remain rare — an accountability gap the NDPS machinery has yet to close.
NationPress
20 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How much heroin did the Mumbai Crime Branch seize and what is it worth?
The Mumbai Crime Branch seized a total of 2.032 kg of heroin across two operations, with an estimated street value of ₹10.16 crore. The seizure was made by Unit 11 of the Crime Branch in Kandivali West, Mumbai.
When and where did the drug raids take place?
The first raid was conducted on 14 October in Kandivali West, Mumbai, recovering 758 grams of heroin worth approximately ₹3.79 crore. A second operation on 17 October, based on leads from the first arrest, recovered an additional 1.274 kg worth approximately ₹6.37 crore.
How many people were arrested and what charges do they face?
Three people were arrested in total — two in the first operation and one in the follow-up raid. All three have been charged under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and the investigation is ongoing.
Is a larger drug syndicate suspected to be involved?
Yes, according to officials, preliminary findings indicate the three arrested individuals may be linked to a heroin-smuggling syndicate suspected of operating across state borders. Investigators are working to identify suppliers and trace the full network.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The Mumbai Police have registered a formal case under the NDPS Act and launched a wider investigation. Officers are attempting to identify suppliers, trace distribution channels, and determine the source of the seized contraband. Further details are awaited.
