The Delhi Police Special Cell has arrested a crucial accused linked to a massive international drug trafficking network valued at nearly ₹13,000 crore. The accused, a resident of Sikkim, was allegedly involved in smuggling Thai marijuana into India through international flight routes, as part of a well-organised transnational narcotics syndicate.
Police officials said the accused played an active role in transporting consignments from Thailand to India on multiple occasions. The contraband was concealed in suitcases and delivered to network handlers after landing in Delhi. The arrest marks another significant breakthrough in a case that has already exposed a sophisticated drug supply chain operating across several countries.
The Delhi Police Special Cell has arrested a crucial accused linked to a massive international drug trafficking network valued at nearly ₹13,000 crore. The accused, a resident of Sikkim, was allegedly involved in smuggling Thai marijuana into India through international flight routes, as part of a well-organised transnational narcotics syndicate.
Suitcase smuggling from Thailand
Investigations revealed that the accused frequently travelled from Thailand carrying suitcases filled with banned narcotics, particularly Thai marijuana. After arriving in Delhi, the luggage was handed over to local associates of the syndicate. During earlier raids, police recovered multiple suitcases containing marijuana from a warehouse located in southwest Delhi, which was allegedly being used as a storage and distribution hub.
Officials said the accused was not acting alone but was part of a larger logistics network responsible for cross-border movement of drugs, delivery coordination, and evasion of law enforcement.
Shell companies used as cover
The probe has revealed that the syndicate created multiple shell pharmaceutical companies using the identities of economically vulnerable individuals. These firms existed only on paper and were used to import raw materials and camouflage illicit drug manufacturing and trafficking activities.
To avoid detection, emails linked to foreign servers were used for placing orders and coordinating shipments. Police sources said the operation relied heavily on forged documentation and digital anonymity to bypass regulatory scrutiny.
Dubai-based coordination and encrypted communication
Technical analysis during the investigation uncovered that delivery locations and handover instructions were being sent from abroad, particularly from Dubai, using social media platforms and encrypted messaging applications. Cropped photographs of intended recipients were shared to ensure accurate delivery, while secure chat apps were used to minimise traceability.
Investigators believe that the syndicate’s leadership operated from overseas, directing Indian operatives remotely and maintaining tight control over the supply chain.
Arrest after prolonged evasion
According to police, after the syndicate was busted in October 2024 following a series of coordinated raids across Delhi, Gujarat, Punjab and other states, the accused was instructed to alter his travel routes to evade arrest. He reportedly travelled from Thailand to Sri Lanka, then to Nepal, before attempting to re-enter India.
During this period, he was detained by Nepalese customs authorities at an airport with a consignment of Thai marijuana and lodged in a Kathmandu jail. However, taking advantage of unrest in Nepal, he managed to escape custody and later returned to India, where he went underground.
To avoid detection, the accused frequently changed locations and concealed his identity. A non-bailable warrant was subsequently issued against him. Acting on intelligence inputs, police tracked him to a remote area in eastern Sikkim, around 150 kilometres away from his native village, and arrested him with the assistance of local police.
Massive seizure and ongoing probe
The drug racket was first uncovered on October 2, 2024, when the Special Cell conducted simultaneous raids across multiple states, leading to the seizure of nearly 1,289 kilograms of cocaine and 40 kilograms of marijuana, collectively valued at around ₹13,000 crore.
So far, 17 members of the international drug syndicate have been arrested, while five accused have been declared absconders. Investigators say the network was established after meetings held abroad, following which drug trafficking operations were launched using fake companies, foreign servers, and international couriers.
Police officials stated that further arrests are likely as the investigation continues to trace financial transactions, overseas links, and remaining operatives connected to the syndicate.
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