DrugBust – Delhi Police Dismantle UK-Linked Narcotics Network
DrugBust – Delhi Police have uncovered a major international drug trafficking network allegedly connected to the United Kingdom, seizing more than 1.8 million psychotropic tablets valued at approximately Rs 9 crore. Five individuals have been arrested so far as investigators continue to probe the scale of the operation.
Initial Arrest Triggered by Intelligence Input
The case began on October 7 last year when the Crime Branch received specific intelligence about illegal pharmaceutical storage in southeast Delhi. Acting swiftly, officers set up surveillance at Mehak Apartment in Madanpur Khadar Extension-I, Sarita Vihar. During the operation, they detained 50-year-old Mohammad Abid and recovered 54,000 Tramadol Hydrochloride tablets weighing 14.472 kilograms.
Police officials said the arrest marked the starting point of a wider investigation that gradually exposed a multi-layered supply chain operating across states and international borders.
Supply Chain Uncovered During Questioning
During sustained interrogation, Abid allegedly revealed that the tablets had been sourced from his relative and son-in-law, Javed Khan. Khan was taken into custody on October 30. According to investigators, Khan identified Sunil Kumar, owner of Prahlad Logistics in Samalka, as the supplier.
Sunil Kumar was arrested on November 2. During questioning, he pointed to Vishnu Dutt Sharma, an exporter by profession, as the person responsible for procuring and routing the consignments. Sharma was apprehended the same day.
Further leads provided by Sharma led investigators to Vikash Singh, also known as Ishwar Singh, who was arrested on November 6. Authorities have initiated legal proceedings to declare another alleged associate, Naushad alias Bablu, a proclaimed offender as efforts to trace him continue.
Concealed Export Meant for United Kingdom
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Vikram Singh, the investigation revealed that Sharma had arranged the export of a shipping container falsely declared as household goods. Hidden inside were 32 boxes filled with Tramadol and other restricted tablets intended for delivery in the United Kingdom.
Delhi Police coordinated with customs authorities to intercept the shipment before it could be released abroad. The container was withheld and eventually returned to India without being delivered at its intended destination, officials confirmed.
Joint Operation at Mundra Port
The container arrived at the T-3 Terminal of Mundra Port in Gujarat. After obtaining the necessary legal permissions, Delhi Police carried out a joint search operation on February 16. The raid resulted in the recovery of a substantial quantity of psychotropic substances concealed within the shipment.
Officials stated that the operation was conducted in coordination with customs authorities to ensure proper documentation and seizure procedures.
Massive Quantity of Controlled Substances Seized
In addition to the 54,000 Tramadol tablets seized during the initial October raid, police recovered a significantly larger consignment in February. The haul included 13.8 lakh tablets of Alprazolam (Alpzar 1 mg), 1.95 lakh tablets of Alprazolam (Alpz-1), 1.35 lakh tablets of Tramadol, 30,000 tablets of Zolpidem, and 52,000 tablets of Nitrazepam.
According to police data, the total weight of the recovered substances stands at 528.4 kilograms. Investigators estimate the combined market value of the seized drugs to be around Rs 9 crore.
Ongoing Investigation
Officials indicated that further investigation is underway to determine the full extent of the network, including possible overseas contacts and financial transactions linked to the operation. Authorities are also examining export documentation and logistics records to identify additional individuals who may have been involved.
Delhi Police described the case as a significant breakthrough in curbing illegal pharmaceutical trafficking and preventing the misuse of prescription drugs in international markets. More arrests may follow as the probe progresses.