Navin Chichkar accused of smuggling ₹35 lakh worth of drugs to Australia

Mumbai, August 7, 2025: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has taken custody of deported drug kingpin Navin Chichkar. He is linked to the seizure of 200 grams of cocaine worth ₹35 lakh. The consignment was being smuggled to Australia through courier services. Chichkar was recently deported from Malaysia. He is a key suspect in several narcotics cases earlier investigated by the NCB and Navi Mumbai Police.

Authorities confirmed that the cocaine was allegedly smuggled by Jayakrishna Gopakumar and concealed inside a projector. The parcel, disguised as a normal shipment, was intercepted before reaching its international destination. The NCB stated that the smuggling attempt posed a serious threat due to its cross-border implications and method of concealment.

Chichkar was taken into custody from Taloja jail following his deportation last month. His name surfaced during multiple drug busts in the region. The case gained traction after forensic tracking and courier scans revealed the drug-filled device en route to Australia.

An NCB official emphasized that this operation marks a key breakthrough in their ongoing fight against international narcotics trafficking networks. They believe Chichkar played a central role in coordinating the logistics and managing the shipment routes.

According to NCB sources, the case is part of a wider investigation into organized syndicates using advanced methods to smuggle narcotics under the cover of legal shipments. The agency said it is closely tracking the financial trail and has not ruled out more arrests in the coming days.

Chichkar’s custody is expected to provide crucial leads into the supply chain and international links that support such smuggling operations. Investigators are also verifying connections with couriers, customs officials, and other potential handlers involved in the operation.

This is the latest in a string of drug seizures involving Indian operatives and international destinations. NCB officials have called for enhanced screening of courier parcels and the use of advanced scanning technologies to detect sophisticated concealment techniques.

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