Kolkata, April 4 (IANS) The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Saturday arrested Reshma Bibi, the wife of alleged drug trafficking kingpin Sheikh Munir, in Kolkata and seized drugs worth around Rs 50 crore, officials said.

Investigators said the arrest was made following a raid in the Ekbalpur area based on specific intelligence inputs. They added that further details are expected to emerge during interrogation.

According to officials, Sheikh Munir is believed to be a key figure in an international drug trafficking network with links to multiple countries. He is currently absconding, and investigators suspect that in his absence, the network was being operated by his wife from their residence in Ekbalpur.

The NCB said the operation was part of intensified surveillance and enforcement activities ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in the state. Authorities have been conducting raids across various locations, recovering arms, narcotics, and cash, particularly in border areas, to ensure strict law and order.

Officials said the agency is now probing the extent of the network, including its spread across Kolkata and adjoining areas, and is trying to identify other individuals involved as well as possible storage points of contraband.

Polling in West Bengal will be held in 294 Assembly constituencies in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4. The Election Commission has deployed observers across constituencies to ensure free and fair elections.

–IANS

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