ArmsTrafficking – International Gun Smuggling Network Exposed by Delhi Police

ArmsTrafficking – Delhi Police have dismantled a sophisticated cross-border arms smuggling network with links spanning Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and parts of West Asia, leading to the arrest of 10 individuals allegedly involved in the operation. Investigators revealed that the network used complex routes and methods to transport illegal firearms into India, supplying them to criminal groups operating primarily in northern regions.

Multi-Country Route Used to Evade Detection

According to officials, the smuggling chain began in Pakistan, where weapons were initially dispatched to certain West Asian countries. These firearms were then dismantled and shipped as scrap material to Nepal, allowing traffickers to bypass strict surveillance mechanisms. Once in Nepal, the weapons were reassembled before being covertly transported across the border into India.

Authorities believe this layered method helped the network avoid detection for a significant period, making it one of the more intricate arms trafficking operations uncovered in recent years.

Large Cache of Foreign Weapons Recovered

During the crackdown, police seized a wide range of high-end firearms of international origin. The recovered weapons included a Czech-made Skorpion sub-machine gun and several pistols from global manufacturers such as Beretta (Italy), Taurus (Brazil), Walther (Germany), CZ Shadow, Stoeger, and Turkish PX-series models. Additional firearms marked as Star were also part of the haul.

Officials stated that the diversity and quality of weapons indicate the network’s strong international connections and its capability to supply advanced arms to organised crime groups.

Alleged Kingpin Linked to Notorious Criminal Networks

Investigators have identified Shahbaz Ansari as the alleged mastermind behind the operation. Known as an interstate arms trafficker, Ansari is believed to have played a central role in supplying illegal weapons to gangs across the National Capital Region and neighboring states.

Law enforcement agencies have previously linked him to multiple criminal networks involved in organised crime. Notably, Ansari was arrested by the National Investigation Agency in 2022 in connection with another arms trafficking case. He has also been named as a key accused in the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, where the weapons supplied by his network were allegedly used.

International Links and Ongoing Investigation

Police sources revealed that Ansari was granted interim bail in 2025 but subsequently fled India. He is currently suspected to be operating from Bangladesh alongside his uncle, Rehan. Meanwhile, his brother Shahzad Ansari is believed to be based in Dubai and allegedly maintains communication with handlers located in Pakistan.

Authorities are now working to trace the full extent of the international network and identify additional operatives who may still be active.

Arrests Made Following Targeted Operation

The arrested individuals have been identified as Rahil (37), Hasim (45), Saim (24), Sonu Gupta (31), Ghanshyam Sharma (26), Wasim Malik, Nishant Arora alias Ankit (34), Mohammad Nauman (32), Mohammad Naushad (37), and Nawab (31).

In a key breakthrough, three suspects—Rahil, Hasim, and Saim—were apprehended on March 13 during a planned police operation near Brijmohan Chowk in Delhi’s Daryaganj area. Officers recovered three pistols and 14 live cartridges from their possession.

Interrogation Reveals Foreign Connections

During questioning, the three accused reportedly disclosed their links to handlers based outside India. These revelations played a crucial role in exposing the larger network and led to further arrests.

Delhi Police officials stated that the investigation is ongoing, with efforts focused on dismantling the remaining elements of the network and preventing further illegal arms circulation.