New Delhi: In a coordinated effort, the Delhi and Telangana police, in conjunction with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), have successfully dismantled an international drug syndicate, leading to the arrest of 10 individuals, including three foreign nationals, in Delhi-NCR. The operation, conducted over the past 24 hours, also resulted in the detention of 40 foreign nationals linked to the network, who are now facing deportation proceedings.
According to police reports, the transnational drug cartel, primarily operated by African nationals, concealed contraband within the collars of shirts they shipped via courier services. The network was involved in supplying narcotics to Telangana. The joint operation involved multiple raids across Delhi-NCR, including areas such as Mehrauli, Sant Garh, Nilothi, Pratap Enclave, Greater Noida, Munirka, and Uttam Nagar.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime), Surender Kumar, stated at a press conference that the operation was launched following the busting of a drug supply module in Hyderabad three months prior, which revealed the use of courier services to transport narcotics. The investigation traced the source of the drugs to Delhi.
During a raid in the Mohan Garden area, a Ugandan national, Zainab Kyobutungi, also known as Pamela, was apprehended with 195 grams of cocaine, 24 grams of MDMA, and Rs 40,500 in cash. In another raid in Sant Garh, a Nigerian national, Bekki, also known as Bekee, was arrested with 5,209 ecstasy pills, 35.46 grams of cocaine, and Rs 78,000 in cash. Bekki's information led to the arrest of another Nigerian national, Frank, who was found with 60 MD pills. Additionally, Jean Ahmad, wanted by Telangana Police, was found to have 106.38 grams of cocaine and 107.83 grams of heroin in his residence.
Several Indian nationals were also apprehended for allegedly providing financial support, SIM cards, and logistical assistance to the cartel. Those arrested include Badruddin and his wife, Sama Umar, residents of Greater Noida, and Zafar from Mehrauli, who allegedly handled drug money. Titing Guite, S Joshua Guite, and Lal Khosei Selien, residents of Delhi, were arrested for procuring and supplying SIM cards using fraudulent credentials to enable anonymous communication for peddlers.
The police have handed over all the accused to the Telangana Police for further investigation. Authorities are also processing the deportation of the 40 foreign nationals who were found to be overstaying without valid documents. Men are being transferred to a deportation facility, and the processing for women is underway in coordination with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).
The seized narcotics are estimated to be worth Rs 12 crore. Police officers have termed the action a significant blow to the cartel's operations, noting that the syndicate was involved in smuggling cocaine, MDMA, heroin, and ecstasy. The syndicate used foreign nationals who were illegally overstaying as carriers, operating through rented premises, and routing drug money through local handlers. Further investigation is ongoing to identify remaining members of the network and trace financial channels linked to the syndicate.
