In a significant victory for Indian investigative agencies, a key accused in one of the country's largest narcotics seizures has been successfully repatriated from the United Arab Emirates. Ritik Bajaj, alleged to be a central player in an international drug cartel linked to a Rs 13,000 crore contraband haul, was brought back to Delhi on Monday after a complex, multi-agency operation.
The International Manhunt and Coordinated Capture
The 36-year-old Delhi resident, who had been evading authorities since the massive 2024 drug case came to light, was tracked down through meticulous international cooperation. After the Delhi Police's Special Cell identified him as a proclaimed offender by a court on May 19, the net began to close. The Central Bureau of Investigation, functioning as India's Interpol National Central Bureau, played a pivotal role.
Investigators first geo-located Bajaj in the UAE. Following a formal request from the Delhi Police, the CBI facilitated the issuance of a crucial Interpol Red Notice against him on October 9. The breakthrough came with vital intelligence from NCB Bangkok, which tracked his movements towards the UAE. This information enabled seamless coordination between the CBI in India and the NCB in Abu Dhabi, leading to his eventual detention in Dubai.
Multi-Agency Effort Brings Fugitive to Justice
A dedicated team from the Delhi Police Special Cell's Eastern Range then flew to the UAE to formally take custody of the fugitive. Additional Commissioner of Police Pramod Kushwaha confirmed the successful operation, stating that Bajaj's arrest brings the total number of apprehended accused in the 2024 case to 17.
Upon his arrival in the national capital, Bajaj was promptly produced before a court for legal proceedings. Police officials believe his interrogation will be crucial in unraveling the syndicate's sophisticated cross-border logistics network, which allegedly spanned operations across Thailand, India, and the Middle East. The syndicate was involved in smuggling high-grade narcotics like cocaine and Thailand-origin marijuana, known as OG.
Ongoing Investigations and Future Proceedings
The dragnet in this monumental case continues to widen. Interpol has already issued a Red Notice for another fugitive, Rishabh Baisoya, who is also wanted in connection with the same Rs 13,000 crore narcotics haul and is believed to be hiding in the UAE. A manhunt is actively underway to locate him.
In a parallel legal move, the police have sought the court's permission to conduct a trial in absentia against Baisoya, underscoring the resolve to bring all involved to justice, regardless of their location. The extradition of Ritik Bajaj marks a critical step in dismantling the financial and operational backbone of this international drug smuggling network, signaling a strong message about India's enhanced cooperation with global law enforcement agencies.
