An Indian Air Force (IAF) officer and a Bengaluru-based scientist have been arrested after multi-state raids that have exposed an international ring dealing in drugs like Ecstasy. Around 220 kg of ready-to-use amphetamine worth Rs. 230 crore have been seized.
The Air Force Wing Commander was caught in Nanded in Maharashtra yesterday, apparently on his way to Goa from Hyderabad. Over Rs. 7 lakh cash, five mobile phones and allegedly incriminating documents were found on him. He is believed to be one of the main suppliers in the network to make and deliver amphetamines, which are potent nervous system stimulants.
Posted in the Directorate of Information Technology in Delhi, the officer had reportedly been tracked for weeks both by the Narcotics Control Bureau and the Air Force intelligence wing. More officers are under surveillance, say sources.
Hyderabad, say officials, was the base where amphetamines - used in several party drugs - were manufactured at a leased factory. The drugs were allegedly trafficked mainly to countries like Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.
Sources say Venkat Rama Rao, a research scientist, and his wife were key members of the syndicate. Mr. Rao and the Air Force Wing Commander had been classmates and allegedly resumed contact when the officer was posted in Bengaluru.
The raids were carried out on Friday.
The Air Force Wing Commander was caught in Nanded in Maharashtra yesterday, apparently on his way to Goa from Hyderabad. Over Rs. 7 lakh cash, five mobile phones and allegedly incriminating documents were found on him. He is believed to be one of the main suppliers in the network to make and deliver amphetamines, which are potent nervous system stimulants.
Posted in the Directorate of Information Technology in Delhi, the officer had reportedly been tracked for weeks both by the Narcotics Control Bureau and the Air Force intelligence wing. More officers are under surveillance, say sources.
Hyderabad, say officials, was the base where amphetamines - used in several party drugs - were manufactured at a leased factory. The drugs were allegedly trafficked mainly to countries like Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.
Sources say Venkat Rama Rao, a research scientist, and his wife were key members of the syndicate. Mr. Rao and the Air Force Wing Commander had been classmates and allegedly resumed contact when the officer was posted in Bengaluru.
The raids were carried out on Friday.