Sat Nov 16 20:14:37 IST 2024: ## Kolkata NCB Busts International Drug Ring, Arrests Repeat Offender
**Kolkata, November 16, 2024** – The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Kolkata dealt a significant blow to an international drug trafficking ring with the arrest of Gautam Mondal on November 13th. Mondal was apprehended following the seizure of 14,998 bottles of Phensedyl, a codeine-based cough syrup, which were destined for Bangladesh.
According to NCB officials, Mondal is a habitual offender with a history of smuggling. He has three previous gold smuggling cases registered against him by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and three additional cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act filed by a West Bengal special task force (STF).
The seized Phensedyl bottles originated in Uttar Pradesh and were illegally diverted from legitimate channels. NCB officials described Mondal’s operation as sophisticated, involving multiple layers of operatives who are frequently rotated to evade detection. The arrest is considered a major breakthrough, and investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend his accomplices. A joint interrogation involving the DRI Kolkata and the West Bengal STF is planned to dismantle the entire criminal syndicate.
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