Drugs – Delhi Police Dismantle Interstate Heroin Network, Three Held
Drugs – In a significant operation against illegal narcotics trade, the East District Police have uncovered an interstate drug trafficking network and taken three individuals into custody. Among those arrested are two suspected suppliers from Uttar Pradesh. Authorities seized a total of 475 grams of heroin, a quantity considered commercial under the law, with an estimated value of around Rs 80 lakh in the global illegal market.
Coordinated crackdown by anti-narcotics unit
The action was carried out by the Anti-Narcotics Squad as part of a broader effort to curb substance abuse and dismantle organised drug channels operating in the national capital. Officials said the operation reflects a continued commitment to eliminating drug-related activities and reducing their impact on society.
A specialised team was constituted for the mission under the supervision of senior officers. Members focused on gathering intelligence through informants and tracking suspicious movements linked to narcotics distribution.
Tip-off leads to first arrest
On April 2, officers received precise information about a suspected drug carrier expected to arrive near Ghazipur Road, close to an old Regional Rapid Transit System site. Acting promptly, the team set up surveillance at the location and detained the individual identified as Mohd Arif.
A search conducted at the scene led to the recovery of 270 grams of heroin. Following this, a case was registered under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act at the Patparganj Industrial Area Police Station, and further investigation began.
Supply chain traced to Uttar Pradesh
During questioning, Arif disclosed details about his suppliers, pointing investigators towards two individuals based in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Recognising the need to break the supply chain, police teams expanded their operation beyond Delhi.
Multiple raids were conducted across Delhi-NCR and parts of Uttar Pradesh using technical surveillance and intelligence inputs. Eventually, both suspected suppliers were located and apprehended.
From their possession, an additional 205 grams of heroin was recovered, bringing the total seizure in the case to 475 grams.
Background of the accused and network operations
Police investigations revealed that Arif’s involvement in drug trafficking began due to personal addiction. Over time, he transitioned from small-scale purchases to selling narcotics in local areas. Authorities stated that his activities gradually expanded, and he began sourcing larger quantities from suppliers to distribute at higher margins.
This shift marked his integration into a more structured network that operated across state boundaries. Officials noted that the accused appeared to be driven primarily by financial motives, capitalising on addiction patterns in urban regions.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Mohd Arif, aged 40, originally from Shahjahanpur but residing in Delhi, along with Amit, 22, and Vikas, 28, both residents of Shahjahanpur. According to police records, all three are married.
Legal action and ongoing investigation
Authorities confirmed that the quantity of heroin seized qualifies as a commercial amount under existing laws, which carries strict penalties. All three accused have been formally arrested, and further investigation is ongoing to identify additional links and possible extensions of the network.
Police officials reiterated their focus on maintaining sustained pressure against drug trafficking groups and emphasized that similar operations will continue as part of a long-term strategy to reduce narcotics circulation.