A seven member drug syndicate has been busted by Narcotics Control Bureau. (Representational)
A seven member drug syndicate, which operated through many food delivery boys in Bengaluru and Shivamogga and thrived during the lockdown period, has been busted by Narcotics Control Bureau officials and high quality marijuana recovered from them, the agency said.
It said the syndicate used to assure customers of doorstep delivery and thrived during the lockdown period. The Narcotics Control Bureau's Bengaluru Zonal Unit busted the major drug syndicate "operating in a unique and systematic manner and neutralised it by arresting the kingpin, a statement said.
The agency said its officers intercepted two people on Thursday when they were in the process of taking delivery of eight boxes of contraband from a courier vehicle and loading them into a car in Bengaluru.
A thorough examination revealed 137 kg of high grade marijuana packed in paper packets wrapped with adhesive tapes, which was seized, the Narcotics Control Bureau said.
Searches at the residence of one of the accused resulted in recovery of Rs 4.81 lakh cash. Packing materials used for retail packing of the contraband was also found.
A delivery boy who was about to deliver a parcel was also apprehended, the Narcotics Control Bureau said.
Further, the search of residential premises of another accused resulted in recovery of about three kg of ganja, packed in small packets with specific markings on it and cash of Rs 39,000 as proceeds of drug trafficking, the statement read.
A follow-up action led to the arrest of four people in Shivamogga on Friday, including the man handling the finances of the network, the agency said.