Did Telangana Police Really Seize Drugs Worth Rs 3 Crore in Mumbai?
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Synopsis
In a significant operation, Telangana's EAGLE has seized Rs 3 crore linked to drug trafficking in Mumbai. This extensive investigation has unveiled a complex hawala network, leading to multiple arrests and a crackdown on inter-state drug peddling. Discover the details of this major bust and its implications for drug enforcement.
Key Takeaways
- Rs 3 crore seized from a hawala operation.
- Dargaram Rataji Prajapati arrested, linked to a national hawala network.
- Investigation reveals connections to Nigerian drug cartels.
- Ongoing efforts resulted in 25 arrests related to the drug network.
- Rachakonda police also seized drugs worth Rs 1 crore.
Hyderabad, Oct 10 (NationPress) The Eagle Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) from Telangana has successfully confiscated Rs 3 crore from a hawala operation purportedly involved in laundering proceeds from drug trafficking, officials reported on Friday.
A dedicated task force focused on anti-drug operations executed the seizure during a coordinated effort in Mumbai and apprehended Dargaram Rataji Prajapati, a principal figure within a nationwide hawala network facilitating the transfer of drug profits for Nigerian criminal organizations, according to EAGLE.
Prajapati had previously evaded capture during a raid on Bharat Kumar Chaganlal and Company in Mumbai.
The investigation uncovered that this business was utilized as a façade to channel drug funds through hawala networks on behalf of international drug syndicates.
An elite team from EAGLE, led by Inspector K. Praveen Kumar, was responsible for apprehending Prajapati.
This operation was part of a broader investigation into a significant international drug money laundering scheme that had already resulted in the detention of a foreign suspect, Onyeisi Esomchi Kenneth, known by aliases Maxwell and Emmanuel Bediako.
Kenneth was operating within India with multiple Nigerian passports and one Ghanaian passport.
So far, a total of 25 individuals have been arrested concerning the hawala drug scheme, with an overall value of Rs 3.084 crore seized.
During questioning, Prajapati disclosed that the hawala operation spans several cities, with offices located at Jhaveri Chambers in Ahmedabad and Bharat Kumar Chaganlal and Company in Delhi.
Key agents, including Uttam Singh, Kheema Ram, and Chetan Mavji, were identified as the individuals responsible for collecting hawala funds from Nigerian nationals involved in drug trafficking.
In a separate incident, the Rachakonda police dismantled an inter-state drug trafficking operation, resulting in the confiscation of drugs valued at Rs 1 crore.
In a collaborative effort, the Special Operations Team (SOT) in Malkajgiri, alongside the Keesara Police, arrested an inter-state drug dealer linked to the transport of opium and poppy straw.
Authorities seized seven kg of opium, two kg of poppy straw, and a mobile phone, all amounting to Rs 1 crore.
The police took into custody Lokesh Baret, 26, originally from Rajasthan, while another suspect, Jagadish Gujjar, remains at large.
The suspects had been procuring, moving, and distributing opium to Hyderabad, Chennai, and surrounding regions.
Lokesh was apprehended on October 8 upon his arrival in Hyderabad, right before he intended to hand over the opium and poppy straw.
Point of View
It's essential to note the growing challenges posed by international drug syndicates. The recent operations by Telangana's EAGLE highlight a proactive approach in tackling crime through collaborative efforts across states. The arrests and seizures not only demonstrate law enforcement's commitment but also underline the need for continuous vigilance and comprehensive strategies to combat drug trafficking.
NationPress
11/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Rs 3 crore seizure?
The seizure represents a substantial effort by law enforcement to disrupt drug trafficking operations and signifies the extensive financial networks involved in such crimes.
Who are the main suspects in this case?
The primary suspect, Dargaram Rataji Prajapati, along with several others, is linked to a hawala network facilitating drug money laundering for Nigerian cartels.
What measures are being taken against drug trafficking in India?
Law enforcement agencies like EAGLE are intensifying operations, leading to numerous arrests and significant seizures of drug-related assets.
How does hawala operate in drug trafficking?
Hawala is an informal money transfer system that bypasses traditional banking, often used by drug traffickers to launder proceeds without detection.
What are the repercussions of these drug busts?
These operations disrupt the financial backing of drug syndicates, potentially leading to a decrease in drug availability and related crime in affected areas.
