Digital Goa, June 1 – Goa Crime Branch has cracked an interstate narcotics supply network and arrested a key heroin supplier from Bahraich in Uttar Pradesh following an investigation that began with the arrest of three Nepalese nationals in Goa last month. The breakthrough came during an investigation into a May 20 raid at Betim Jetty, where Crime Branch officers arrested Nepalese nationals Arjun Bishwokarma (36) and Chetkant Oli (25) and seized 39.88 grams of heroin worth ₹8.88 lakh. A third Nepalese national, Narishore Bhandari, was later arrested. Police said the accused allegedly ordered heroin from Bahraich through mobile communication and online payments. The contraband was reportedly transported to Goa through parcels sent on direct Goa–Rupaidiha bus services, with Rupaidiha on the Indo-Nepal border serving as a transit point. Crime Branch identified and arrested the alleged supplier, Ekhlaq Ahmad alias Manna Malik, in a joint operation with the Uttar Pradesh STF. Police said Malik has multiple criminal cases, including murder, attempt to murder, robbery, Arms Act and narcotics offences.
