In a significant breakthrough, the Anti Extortion Cell (AEC) of Mumbai Crime Branch has apprehended Ali Asgar Shirazi, a trusted associate of Indian drug lord Kailash Rajput. Shirazi has been overseeing Rajput's entire drug operation since Rajput's arrest in Ireland last year, and the process of Rajput's extradition is currently underway, the police sources said on Monday.

Earlier this year in March, the AEC successfully dismantled a global cartel involved in the distribution of Ketamine to European countries, where the illicit substance was being sold at parties. The same syndicate was also responsible for supplying other illegal medications such as painkillers, sleeping pills, and sex enhancement pills to the UAE and the US. Consequently, numerous individuals associated with courier firms and customs clearing agents were apprehended, sources added.