Delhi Police Dismantles Interstate Drug Syndicate in Major Multi-State Operation
The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) of the Delhi Police Crime Branch has successfully dismantled a massive interstate drug network through a coordinated multi-state operation. This extensive crackdown resulted in the arrest of seven accused individuals across five states and the seizure of nearly 48 kilograms of high-potency psychotropic substances. Officials confirmed that the confiscated drugs have an estimated value exceeding Rs 50 crore in international markets.
Operation Details and Raid Locations
The police conducted simultaneous raids across multiple states, targeting key locations in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The operation was meticulously planned and executed over several months, focusing on disrupting a sophisticated supply chain that distributed banned substances across state lines. The network operated with what investigators described as industrial efficiency, systematically procuring raw materials, repackaging them, and routing them for illegal sale without prescription.
How the Investigation Unfolded
The investigation began in September last year when Sub-Inspector Vikasdeep received crucial intelligence about the movement of a large quantity of psychotropic drugs within Delhi. Following discreet surveillance, a police team intercepted Anirudh Rai, aged 49, in the Lajpat Nagar area and recovered approximately 2 kilograms of Tramadol powder. This initial seizure proved to be the breakthrough that opened the floodgates for the entire operation.
Sanjeev Kumar Yadav, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime), explained the significance of this arrest: "The recovery from Anirudh Rai provided the critical lead that allowed us to unravel the entire network. What started as a single arrest in Lajpat Nagar ultimately led to the dismantling of a sophisticated interstate syndicate."
Key Arrests and Seizures
A special ANTF team led by ACP Satendra Mohan fanned out across the five states, conducting sustained raids and even engaging in high-speed chases to intercept drug consignments. The operation resulted in several significant arrests:
- Manoj Rai, 62, the alleged primary source of the drugs, was apprehended in Uttar Pradesh
- Kishan Pal alias Bhullar, 62, was arrested in Delhi, with 503 grams of Alprazolam recovered from his residence
- Krishan Tanwar, 42, a repeat offender under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, was captured near Chandni Chowk
- Manoj Kumar, 45, from Haryana, was intercepted after a car chase near Singhu Border that ended in Narela, with over 5 kilograms of Tramadol found in his vehicle
- Additional arrests included Parshant, 33, and Amit, 45, from Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand respectively
Network Operations and Background
Investigators revealed that the syndicate had developed a sophisticated operation that leveraged legitimate medical trade connections. Several of the accused individuals had prior experience in the pharmaceutical industry or medical trade, which helped them conceal their criminal activities as routine commercial operations. The network specialized in sourcing raw materials typically used in legitimate medicine manufacturing and diverting them for illegal repackaging and distribution.
The police confirmed that the syndicate dealt primarily in controlled substances including Tramadol and Alprazolam, both of which are banned for non-prescription use. These substances were being distributed across state lines without proper medical authorization, creating significant public health and safety concerns.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Actions
While the current operation has successfully dismantled the primary structure of the drug network, investigations continue to trace remaining links and identify financial beneficiaries. The Delhi Police emphasized their commitment to pursuing all leads to ensure complete disruption of the syndicate's operations.
The successful operation demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated multi-state police efforts in combating organized drug trafficking networks. The substantial seizure of psychotropic substances valued at Rs 50 crore represents one of the significant narcotics busts in recent times, highlighting the scale of illegal drug operations that law enforcement agencies are confronting.
