In a major blow to narcotics trafficking, a joint team of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Delhi Police's Special Cell has seized a colossal 328.54 kilograms of methamphetamine, valued at over Rs 260 crore, from a residential flat in South Delhi's upscale Chattarpur area. The successful operation, which unfolded over several days, led to the arrest of two individuals and has been hailed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah as a significant step towards a drug-free India.
The Operation and Key Arrests
The breakthrough came as part of 'Operation Crystal Fortress', a targeted mission against drug cartels. The first arrest was that of Shane, a sales manager from Uttar Pradesh, who was apprehended on Thursday. During interrogation, Shane revealed that he acted on instructions from foreign-based handlers, using fake SIM cards and encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp and Zangi to coordinate the distribution of drugs in the national capital.
His confession led investigators to a second key player, Esther Kimmi (43), originally from Midland in Dimapur, Nagaland. According to officials, Esther was operating a drug storage and delivery point from her rented flat in Chattarpur. She allegedly used an app-based delivery service to transport the meth consignment to Shane. Based on Shane's inputs, NCB officials raided the Chattarpur flat, leading to the monumental seizure. Esther was later tracked down and arrested in Dimapur, Nagaland, on Friday.
Amit Shah's Praise and Transnational Links
The operation drew immediate praise from the highest levels of the government. Union Home Minister Amit Shah took to social media platform X to commend the agencies. He stated that the seizure and arrests were a result of the government's fierce pursuit of a "top-to-bottom and bottom-to-top" approach to investigating drug cases.
"Congratulations to the joint team of NCB and Delhi Police," Shah wrote, highlighting the seamless multi-agency coordination that aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for a drug-free India. Sources further revealed a disturbing connection, indicating that the foreign handler in this case is the same individual accused of supplying 82 kilograms of cocaine in a separate bust conducted by the NCB last year, pointing to a persistent transnational network.
Broader Implications and Investigation
This massive seizure of 328 kg of methamphetamine is one of the largest in recent times and underscores the sophisticated methods employed by international drug syndicates to infiltrate Indian markets. The use of encrypted communication and app-based logistics presents new challenges for law enforcement.
The successful bust not only disrupts a major supply chain but also provides investigators with crucial intelligence to map the broader involvement of foreign-based operators. The probe remains active as agencies work to uncover the entire network, from local distributors to the kingpins operating from abroad.
