The police investigation into Asgar Ali—the chaiwala involved in the cross-border trade of narcotics from Nepal—has revealed that the primary supplier based in Kathmandu used an essential goods transporter to move drugs to India. The transporter, identified as Verma, was engaged in transporting eatables, sweet corn and spices across the border. He would cleverly conceal charas within the goods and was never suspected owing to his long-standing involvement in the transportation business.

According to the officer from MHB police, the Verma received a commission of Rs 2,000-Rs 3,000 per kg to transport the contraband. Asgar Ali then sold the charas at almost double the price to buyers in India, who then sold it across India at much higher rates, ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh per kg.