Delhi Police Cracks Down on Major Interstate and International Drug Trafficking Network
In a significant breakthrough, the Delhi Police crime branch has successfully dismantled a sophisticated interstate and international drug trafficking operation. The investigation culminated in the arrest of five individuals and the seizure of a staggering 18,47,400 psychotropic tablets, with an estimated street value of Rs 9 crore.
Investigation Unfolds with Initial Arrest and Recovery
The case was initiated on October 7 last year, following actionable intelligence. Acting swiftly, police apprehended 50-year-old Mohammad Abid from Madanpur Khadar Extension-I in southeast Delhi. From his possession, authorities recovered 54,000 Tramadol Hydrochloride tablets (Treken-100), weighing approximately 14.5 kilograms.
Tracing the Elaborate Supply Chain
During the subsequent investigation, police meticulously traced the alleged supply chain through multiple links. It was revealed that Abid had procured the tablets from Javed Khan, who was arrested later in October. Khan, in turn, identified Sunil Kumar, who operates a warehousing facility in Samalka, as his source. Kumar and Vishnu Dutt Sharma were arrested in early November.
Investigators disclosed that Sharma, an exporter primarily dealing in household goods shipments to the United Kingdom, allegedly exploited his legitimate export business to conceal prohibited pharmaceutical consignments. This method was a key tactic in the network's operations.
Further Arrests and International Link Uncovered
The probe led to the arrest of Vikash Singh, who runs a courier service, adding another layer to the network. Another accused, Naushad, was named in the investigation, and proceedings to declare him a proclaimed offender are currently underway.
Police uncovered that a container shipment, allegedly linked to this network, was dispatched to the UK disguised as household goods. Acting on precise information, authorities coordinated with Customs officials to halt the consignment. The container's shipment was successfully intercepted and returned to India.
Major Seizure at Mundra Port in Gujarat
On February 16, a joint search operation was conducted at Warehouse No. 2, Seabird CFS, at Mundra Port in Gujarat. The operation was carried out in the presence of Customs officials, a drugs inspector, and an FSL team. "Large quantities of Alprazolam, Tramadol, Zolpidem, and Nitrazepam tablets were recovered from the container," stated DCP (Crime) Vikram Singh.
Comprehensive Breakdown of the Seizure
According to investigators, the total seizure includes:
- 13.8 lakh Alprazolam tablets
- 94,000 Tramadol tablets
- 30,000 Zolpidem tablets
- 52,000 Nitrazepam tablets
This is in addition to the earlier recovery of 54,000 tablets in Delhi. The combined weight of the seized contraband exceeds 528 kilograms, underscoring the scale of this illicit operation.
This crackdown marks a significant victory for law enforcement in combating drug trafficking, highlighting the intricate methods used by such networks and the diligent efforts required to dismantle them.
