NEW DELHI: The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) of the Delhi Police Crime Branch has busted a well-established interstate drug syndicate operating across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Haryana. The action, taken in connection with an FIR registered under Section 22 of the NDPS Act, resulted in the arrest of seven accused and the seizure of over 48 kg of psychotropic substances, estimated to be worth more than Rs 50 crore in the international market.
Police said the seized contraband comprised substantial quantities of Tramadol and Alprazolam, along with other psychotropic drugs. Preliminary findings indicate the existence of a highly organised supply chain, extending from local distributors to interstate suppliers, pointing to a coordinated and widespread drug trafficking network.
The probe was initiated in September last year following specific intelligence inputs regarding the illegal movement of psychotropic substances. Acting swiftly on the information, an ANTF team apprehended Anirudh Rai, a resident of Jaitpur, Delhi, from the Lajpat Nagar area and recovered approximately 2 kg of Tramadol powder from his possession. This led to the registration of the case and a wider investigation.
Further intelligence revealed the involvement of a larger syndicate. Teams carried out sustained and coordinated raids across several states, travelling thousands of kilometres and conducting high-speed chases to track and apprehend the network's members.
The arrest of Manoj Rai from Uttar Pradesh, identified as a key supplier of the illegal drugs, marked a major breakthrough in the case. His interrogation led to the arrest of Kishan Pal alias Bhullu in Delhi, from whose residence 305 grams of Alprazolam was recovered. Subsequent investigation established links to another accused, Krishan Tanwar, who was later apprehended near Chandni Chowk.
On the same day, police intercepted a vehicle near the Singhu Border after a chase. The driver, Manoj Kumar, a resident of Bhiwani, Haryana, was arrested and 5,012 kg of Tramadol was recovered from the boot of the car.
Follow-up raids conducted in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand led to the arrest of Parshant and Amit, along with substantial recoveries of Tramadol and other powdered psychotropic substances. Police said the seized drugs, once repackaged for retail distribution, would fetch several crores of rupees.
Investigators disclosed that the syndicate procured large quantities of raw materials used in the manufacture of psychotropic medicines, which were illegally repackaged and sold without prescription across state borders.
Notably, several of the arrested accused have prior associations with the pharmaceutical trade and previous involvements under the NDPS Act, underscoring the organised and repeat nature of the offence.
Police officials said the crackdown marks a crucial step in dismantling a major narcotics network. Efforts are continuing to trace and arrest other individuals linked to the racket, reaffirming the Crime Branch's commitment to combating drug trafficking and advancing the goal of a drug-free Delhi.
