NCB Deports Key Drug Syndicate Kingpin from Malaysia; Major Breakthrough in Transnational Trafficking Network

In a significant breakthrough, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has successfully secured the deportation of Navin Gurunath Chichkar, the alleged kingpin of a transnational drug trafficking syndicate, from Malaysia. The operation was executed with the support of multiple national and international agencies.

Chichkar had been absconding since 2021 after being implicated in an LSD trafficking case. He was located in Malaysia following the issuance of a Red Notice by the NCB and was brought to India for further investigation. Earlier, he had taken refuge in Thailand, where financial probes have now uncovered properties and bank accounts linked to drug proceeds.

The investigation began with the interception of a parcel by DHL Courier on January 21, 2025. The parcel, destined for Australia from Mumbai, was found to contain around 200 grams of cocaine concealed inside a projector. Acting on this lead, NCB officials traced the network back to its roots, using a bottom-to-top investigative approach.

This led to a major seizure from the Navi Mumbai residence of a syndicate member, where authorities recovered 11.540 kilograms of cocaine, 4.9 kilograms of cannabis, and 5.5 kilograms of cannabis-infused gummies.

Investigators have since unearthed a well-organized transnational syndicate involved in smuggling cocaine from the United States to India, with further distribution across domestic and international locations. The network is believed to have been operational for at least a year, with several consignments arriving in Mumbai via air cargo.

The probe has so far resulted in the arrest of eight individuals, including key associates such as a Clearing House Agent (CHA) and hawala operators facilitating the movement of funds.

The interrogation of Chichkar is expected to shed further light on the source of drugs in the U.S. and the syndicate’s financial trail. NCB is actively pursuing attachment of the assets identified in Thailand.

This is the second major deportation in recent weeks. Earlier this month, the agency also secured the extradition of another accused from the UAE, linked to a drug trafficking case in Bengaluru. “These operations demonstrate NCB’s relentless efforts to dismantle transnational drug syndicates,” said an official from the agency.

To bolster its efforts, the NCB has urged citizens to report any information related to narcotics sales via the MANAS National Narcotics Helpline Toll-Free Number 1933. The identity of informants is kept strictly confidential.​