Delhi Police bust narco-extortion network, seize 2 kg Pakistani-origin heroin worth ₹12 crore
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The Delhi Police Special Cell, in a joint operation with the Gujarat Crime Branch, has dismantled a narco-extortion network operating across Delhi and Gujarat, recovering 2 kg of Pakistani-origin heroin valued at approximately ₹12 crore. The operation, announced on 18 September 2026, led to the arrest of a key accused linked to two of India's most wanted gangsters.
The Accused and His Alleged Links
The arrested individual has been identified as Kuldeep Swami, 31, a resident of Churu, Rajasthan. According to police, Swami was an active member of a narco-extortion module associated with gangsters Rohit Godara and Mahendra Delana. He was reportedly wanted in connection with a high-profile extortion case involving approximately ₹10 crore, registered at a police station in Vadodara, Gujarat.
What Was Recovered
During searches, investigators seized 2 kg of high-quality heroin, a car fitted with a secret cavity, and currency notes allegedly used for hawala token verification. The concealed compartment in the vehicle points to a professionally organised smuggling operation, officials indicated. Investigators are now probing the network's alleged ties to Pakistan-based narcotics suppliers, as well as its operational links to the Godara and Delana gangs.
Pattern of Operations by Delhi Police Special Cell
This arrest is part of a sustained crackdown by the Delhi Police Special Cell on criminal networks involved in extortion, narcotics, and arms trafficking. Notably, on 26 August, the Special Cell arrested two alleged sympathisers of the Gogi gang — identified as Chirag, 22, of Narela, and Sagar, 26, of Sonipat, Haryana — near the Munak Canal following a tip-off. A .32-bore semi-automatic pistol, four live cartridges, a country-made single-shot pistol, and two mobile phones were recovered from their possession, according to a senior police officer.
Earlier, on 19 March, the Special Cell apprehended a proclaimed offender identified as Jaswinder Singh, 26, of Ambala, Haryana, who had been evading arrest in an Arms Act case registered at Jagatpuri Police Station. Singh was wanted under Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act, and had been declared a proclaimed offender by a court.
Broader Significance
The seizure of Pakistani-origin heroin underscores a growing concern among law enforcement agencies about the alleged nexus between cross-border narcotics networks and domestic organised crime groups. The Godara and Delana gangs have previously been linked to extortion rackets targeting businessmen across multiple states. Investigators say the latest bust offers fresh leads into the financial and logistics infrastructure that sustains these networks.
Further arrests and inter-agency coordination are expected as the probe expands.