Major Transnational Drug Network Dismantled in Multi-City Raids
In a significant blow to organized narcotics trafficking, the Delhi Police Crime Branch in collaboration with the Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau (TGANB) has successfully dismantled a sophisticated transnational drug cartel operating across Delhi-NCR and Hyderabad. The massive operation resulted in the seizure of narcotics worth approximately Rs 12 crore and led to the detention of 30 African nationals living illegally in India.
The crackdown, announced by officials on Friday, followed crucial intelligence sharing between the two law enforcement agencies. The operation was initiated after TGANB provided specific information to Delhi Police regarding an ongoing case registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
Nationwide Raids Uncover Drug Network
After days of intensive technical and manual surveillance, multiple police teams conducted simultaneous raids across several locations in Delhi-NCR. The operation targeted areas including Mehrauli, Sant Garh, Nilothi, Pratap Enclave, Greater Noida, Munirka, and Mohan Garden.
At a residence in West Delhi's Mohan Garden, authorities arrested Zainab Kyobutungi, a 35-year-old Ugandan national accused of supplying narcotics in the Telangana case. The raid yielded significant evidence including 195 grams of cocaine, 24 grams of MDMA, and Rs 40,500 in cash. A separate case was registered under the NDPS Act at Uttam Nagar police station.
In another major breakthrough, police apprehended Bekki, a 49-year-old Nigerian national, from Sant Garh locality in Tilak Nagar. The raid at her premises uncovered 5,209 ecstasy pills, 35.46 grams of cocaine, and Rs 78,000 in cash. During interrogation, Bekki reportedly revealed crucial information about another Nigerian national, Frank, residing in Chander Vihar.
Key Arrests and Major Seizures
Acting on Bekki's information, police raided Frank's residence and seized 60 MD pills. Frank, who had a prior criminal record under the NDPS and Foreigner Act in Mohan Garden, was taken into custody. In a parallel development, authorities searched the locked residence of Jean Ahmad, a suspect wanted by the Telangana agency, and recovered over 106 grams of cocaine and 107 grams of heroin.
Investigators believe the premises were being used as a strategic storage point for bulk quantities of narcotics. The joint operation also led to the apprehension of several Indian nationals who played critical roles in facilitating the cartel's operations.
Surender Kumar, Joint Commissioner of Police, Crime Branch, stated: "The joint team also apprehended several Indian nationals acting as critical enablers in the cartel's functioning. These individuals were directly wanted in a case by the TGANB for narcotics trafficking and related offences."
Indian Facilitators and Financial Operations
The investigation revealed a sophisticated network of Indian accomplices who managed the financial aspects of the drug trade. Badruddin from Greater Noida and Zafar from Mehrauli were identified as key figures responsible for managing drug proceeds and arranging payment channels for foreign peddlers.
"They helped channel drug proceeds, arrange secure money transfers, and provide financial cover to foreign nationals, jointly managing the cartel's economic operations and enabling its routine functioning and expansion," explained Joint CP Kumar.
Meanwhile, Badruddin's wife, Sama Umar, was detained for assisting with logistics and acting as an intermediary. Three other individuals—Titing Guite, S. Joshua Guite, and Lal Khosei Selien—were arrested for procuring and supplying SIM cards using proxy credentials. This enabled drug distributors to operate anonymously and evade law enforcement surveillance.
Illegal Immigration and Deportation Proceedings
During the extensive operation, authorities detained 30 African nationals, including 12 women, who were found living in rented accommodations without valid visas or passports. Of these, 18 individuals have been moved to a deportation facility, while action against the remaining 12 is being processed in coordination with the Foreigners Registration Office (FRRO).
All six Indian suspects wanted by TGANB have been handed over to Telangana Police for further legal proceedings. The successful joint operation represents one of the most significant crackdowns on international drug trafficking networks in recent times, highlighting the growing cooperation between state police forces in combating organized crime.
The bust comes amid increasing concerns about the involvement of foreign nationals in drug peddling operations across major Indian cities. Law enforcement agencies have intensified their efforts to dismantle such networks that exploit immigration loopholes to establish sophisticated drug distribution channels.
