NEW DELHI: In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Special Cell of the Delhi Police have dismantled a major narco-network operating in Delhi-NCR.
The joint operation resulted in the seizure of high-value narcotics, including methamphetamine, MDMA, and cocaine, worth approximately ₹27.4 crore. Five individuals, including four Nigerian nationals, have been arrested in connection with the case.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, lauded the success of the operation. In a statement on the social media platform ‘X,’ he reiterated the Modi government’s firm stance against drugs. “In line with the Modi government’s zero tolerance against drugs, a major narco-network was busted in Delhi-NCR. The NCB and Delhi Police grabbed the gang by its throat and recovered methamphetamine, MDMA, and cocaine worth ₹27.4 crore, arresting five people. I applaud NCB and Delhi Police for this major breakthrough,” Shah stated.
Breakdown of the Operation
The operation was initiated following intelligence inputs regarding an imminent exchange of high-quality methamphetamine in the Chhatarpur area of Delhi. Acting swiftly, a joint team of the NCB and Delhi Police’s Special Cell conducted surveillance on the suspects, leading to the interception of a vehicle carrying 5.103 kilograms of high-quality crystal methamphetamine, valued at approximately ₹10.2 crore. The five occupants of the vehicle, including four Nigerian nationals belonging to influential families, were immediately taken into custody.
Subsequent interrogations and technical investigations revealed that the narcotics had been sourced from an African-operated drug den in Tilak Nagar, West Delhi. A raid at this location led to the recovery of:
- 1.156 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine
- 4.142 kilograms of Afghan heroin
- 5.776 kilograms of MDMA (Ecstasy pills)
The estimated market value of the drugs recovered from Tilak Nagar is ₹16.4 crore.
Further investigations led to a follow-up raid at a rented apartment in Greater Noida, where 389 grams of Afghan heroin and 26 grams of cocaine were seized.
International Drug Syndicate with Student Visa Cover
Investigations have uncovered that the arrested individuals were part of an organized drug syndicate that facilitated drug peddling among African youth in India. The syndicate reportedly assisted individuals in securing student visas for private universities in Delhi-NCR and Punjab. However, in several cases, these visas were used as a cover for their illegal activities, including drug distribution and cryptocurrency-based transactions.
Authorities are now conducting deeper investigations to trace the backward and forward linkages of this drug network, aiming to dismantle the entire supply chain.
Public Assistance Sought in War Against Drugs
The NCB has reiterated its commitment to combating drug trafficking and has urged citizens to contribute to the fight against narcotics. The agency has encouraged individuals to report any suspicious drug-related activities by contacting MANAS- National Narcotics Helpline Toll-Free Number – 1933.
This major breakthrough underscores the government’s unwavering stance on eliminating the drug menace and ensuring a safer society for all.
