Noida: In a significant breakthrough, the Noida police have dismantled an alleged interstate drug trafficking network that ingeniously used saree parcels to conceal and transport cannabis. Two individuals were apprehended, and nearly 38 kilograms of the contraband, valued at approximately Rs 25 lakh in the international market, were seized.
Arrests and Seizure
The accused, identified as Shubham Pathak (26) and Shivam Dubey (24), both natives of Ayodhya district and currently residing in Delhi’s Mayur Vihar, were arrested during a coordinated operation by the Sector 20 police station and the special operations group (SOG). The police recovered 37.6 kilograms of cannabis along with 39 sarees that were allegedly used to conceal and transport the illegal substance.
Modus Operandi
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Manisha Singh stated that the arrests were made following a tip-off. Acting on intelligence inputs, the police laid a trap in Sector 17 and apprehended the two suspects. During the investigation, Pathak was identified as the alleged kingpin of the network.
According to investigators, Pathak had been involved in the narcotics trade for the past two to three years. He procured cannabis from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh through courier services and distributed it across Delhi-NCR. To avoid detection, the contraband was concealed within saree packaging, making the parcels appear as routine clothing consignments.
Police revealed that Pathak frequently used incomplete or fake addresses while booking shipments. Before the parcels reached their listed destinations, he would allegedly coordinate with courier operators and take possession of them, thereby evading law enforcement scrutiny.
High-Potency Cannabis
Officials noted that the seized cannabis was a high-potency variety sourced from select regions of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and hilly areas. Investigators believe the product commanded a higher price in the illegal market due to its stronger intoxicating effect.
Background of Accused
Both accused are graduates. A review of police records revealed that Pathak has an extensive criminal history. Since 2020, multiple cases, including charges related to attempted murder, fraud, forgery, the Gangsters Act, and the Arms Act, have been registered against him at various police stations in Ayodhya district.
Supply Network
Police further alleged that the network supplied cannabis to customers in slum clusters, industrial areas, universities, and among students. The contraband was reportedly sold in small packets, generating profits of up to three times the procurement cost. Investigators are also examining several WhatsApp groups allegedly used to coordinate orders and deliveries.
Ongoing Investigation
ACP Praveen Singh said efforts are underway to identify suppliers, buyers, and other members of the interstate network spanning Odisha, West Bengal, and Delhi-NCR. Authorities are also gathering details of the accused persons’ movable and immovable assets and may initiate proceedings under the Gangsters Act, including property attachment, if warranted.
