The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) busted a major international drug smuggling syndicate allegedly involved in illegal smuggling of khat leaves and seized about 160 kg of the psychotropic substance worth around ₹8 crore.
This is the biggest seizure of katha in Karnataka since 2018, when it was notified as a psychotropic substance under the Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, officials said.
The seizure was based on an intelligence operation that uncovered a well-organized transnational drug syndicate operating in more than 20 countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya and several Gulf countries.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the contraband was smuggled into India through an international route originating from Ethiopia via Kenya before reaching Bengaluru. The syndicate allegedly used an international postal and courier network and disguised bulk shipments of khat as ordinary commercial goods, such as shipments of tea, to avoid detection.
NCB officials revealed that the syndicate sent more than 550 parcels weighing nearly 2,100 kg to destinations in North America, Europe and the Gulf countries. Information regarding the transit shipments was shared with law enforcement agencies in the respective countries for coordinated action.
The probe further revealed that Bengaluru served as a key warehousing and distribution center where bulk shipments were split into smaller quantities for further distribution. The network operated through several layers, including storage locations, couriers, and local intermediaries.
The syndicate consisted mainly of foreign nationals assisted by Indian associates. Several accused were found to be staying in India under the guise of student and medical visas, officials added.
Despite the fact that khat is less commonly consumed in India, the country’s central bank has taken strict enforcement measures against its trade.
Officials said the case revealed the scale, reach and sophistication of international drug trafficking networks and highlighted the critical need for interagency and cross-border cooperation to combat the global drug threat.
Further investigations are underway to identify other members of the syndicate and trace financial routes.
Published – 31 Dec 2025 21:25 IST
