MUMBAI: Three people were arrested after the Mumbai Crime Branch seized more than 2 kg of heroin, valued at over Rs 10 crore, in two separate operations, officials said on Tuesday, according to news agency IANS. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, Unit 11 of the Crime Branch recovered a total of 2.032 kg of heroin from the three suspects, with the seized narcotics estimated to be worth Rs 10.16 crore.

According to officials, the first operation was conducted on October 14 in Kandivali West after the Crime Branch received secret information about the suspected movement of narcotics in the area. During that operation, police seized 758 grams of heroin, valued at approximately Rs 3.79 crore, from two suspects.

The investigation was then extended on the basis of information obtained during the interrogation of the two arrested men, officials said. Acting on those leads, the Crime Branch conducted a second operation on October 17 and recovered an additional 1.274 kg of heroin, worth approximately Rs 6.37 crore, from a third suspect — taking the combined seizure to 2.032 kg valued at Rs 10.16 crore.

The Mumbai Police have registered a case against the accused under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Police said preliminary findings indicate the arrested men may be linked to a heroin-smuggling syndicate suspected of operating across state borders — this remains a police allegation under investigation. Investigators are working to identify and trace the suppliers who allegedly provided the heroin and others suspected of involvement in its purchase, distribution and sale, and an investigation is underway to determine the source of the contraband. Sources: IANS; Mumbai Press.