Mumbai NCB freezes Rs 3.78 crore assets of drug ‘kingpin’ and his associate

Mumbai: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has frozen assets worth nearly Rs 3.8 crore belonging to alleged drug syndicate kingpin Danish Merchant alias Chikna and his associate Henna Shah.According to NCB, the operation was carried out under provisions of the NDPS Act and SAFEMA, with the Competent Authority in Mumbai confirming the attachment of assets. It covers five bank accounts, one immovable property, cash, jewellery, and two vehicles, collectively valued at nearly Rs 3.8 crore.In Sept 2025, an NCB team intercepted N Gaikwad in Pune and seized 502gm of mephedrone. His interrogation led to the recovery of another 839gm from an associate, Zohaib Shaikh, allegedly operating under Merchant's directions. The location was linked to Shah, identified as his key accomplice in drug storage and distribution. Merchant and Shah were arrested from a luxury resort in Goa from where they were allegedly orchestrating the supply of drugs.Another key associate, H A Shaikh alias Danish Pipi, who was allegedly managing distribution networks in Byculla, Dongri, Nagpada and other areas in Mumbai, was arrested while attempting to enter the city on April 25.