MARCH 31: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, commended the efforts of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Delhi Police for their relentless pursuit of dismantling drug networks in the country. In a post shared on the ‘X’ platform, he highlighted the successful operation where a major narco-network was busted in Delhi-NCR. In line with the Modi government’s zero tolerance policy against drugs, the law enforcement agencies intercepted a significant drug haul worth ₹27.4 crore.
Shri Amit Shah praised the NCB and Delhi Police for their joint operation that led to the arrest of five individuals and the seizure of high-quality narcotics, including methamphetamine, MDMA, and cocaine. “I applaud NCB and Delhi Police for this major breakthrough,” he said, emphasizing the government’s unwavering commitment to combating the drug trade.
The operation began when NCB received intelligence about an imminent exchange of high-quality methamphetamine in the Chhatarpur area of Delhi. A joint team of NCB and Delhi Police Special Cell swiftly mounted surveillance on the suspects, which resulted in the interception of a vehicle carrying 5.103 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine. The street value of the recovered methamphetamine was estimated to be around ₹10.2 crore. The five occupants of the vehicle, including four African nationals, were arrested. Investigations revealed that the suspects were part of a syndicate with connections to influential families in Nigeria.
Further investigation into the drug supply chain uncovered that the contraband had been sourced from an “African Kitchen” in the Tilak Nagar area of West Delhi. A search at the location led to the recovery of additional narcotics, including 1.156 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, 4.142 kilograms of Afghan heroin, and 5.776 kilograms of MDMA (ecstasy pills), valued at ₹16.4 crore. In a follow-up search at a rented apartment in Greater Noida, authorities recovered 389 grams of Afghan heroin and 26 grams of cocaine.
The investigation revealed the syndicate’s involvement in trafficking drugs and facilitating illegal activities, such as securing student visas for African youth to study at private universities in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Punjab. Some of these students were suspected of using their student status as a cover for their involvement in drug distribution and cryptocurrency conversions.
The operation is an example of NCB’s commitment to eradicating drug trafficking in India. The NCB continues to seek the support of citizens in the fight against drugs and encourages people to share any relevant information by calling the MANAS National Narcotics Helpline Toll Free Number – 1933. The investigation into the syndicate’s backward and forward linkages is ongoing.