CBI extradites drug fugitive Prabhdeep Singh from Azerbaijan to India
Synopsis
Wanted narcotics fugitive Prabhdeep Singh, identified as the main organiser of a major drug trafficking syndicate, has been extradited from Azerbaijan to New Delhi after CBI secured an INTERPOL Red Notice and coordinated a diplomatic-legal operation spanning multiple Indian agencies. His return brings India's total fugitive repatriations to over 160 in recent years.
Key Takeaways
Prabhdeep Singh , wanted under the NDPS Act, 1985 , was extradited from Azerbaijan to New Delhi on 13 May 2025 .
Singh was identified as the key conspirator and main organiser of a major narcotics trafficking syndicate; several co-accused had already been arrested.
The CBI secured an INTERPOL Red Notice against Singh, leading to his geo-location and arrest in Azerbaijan.
A three-member Delhi Police escort team travelled to Baku to take custody and return him to India.
India has now successfully repatriated more than 160 wanted fugitives through coordinated efforts of the MEA , MHA , CBI , and other agencies.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), and Delhi Police, has successfully secured the extradition of wanted fugitive Prabhdeep Singh from Azerbaijan to India, according to an official statement issued on Wednesday, 13 May 2025. Singh, identified as the key conspirator in a major narcotics trafficking syndicate, was brought back to New Delhi after sustained international coordination spanning multiple agencies.
Background and Charges
Prabhdeep Singh was wanted in connection with a case registered at the Special Cell Police Station in New Delhi under various provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The case pertains to a major narcotics trafficking racket in which a substantial quantity of narcotic substances was recovered. Several co-accused persons had earlier been arrested during the investigation, while Singh was identified as the main organiser of the syndicate.
How the Extradition Was Secured
Acting on a request from Delhi Police, the CBI — functioning as India's National Central Bureau for INTERPOL — had an INTERPOL Red Notice issued against Singh through international channels. Following sustained intelligence-sharing and international coordination, the fugitive was geo-located and apprehended by authorities in Azerbaijan. Indian authorities subsequently initiated formal extradition proceedings through diplomatic and legal channels, and after completion of due legal formalities in Azerbaijan, the extradition request was formally accepted.
Return to India
A three-member escort team from Delhi Police travelled to Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, to take custody of Singh. The team, along with Prabhdeep Singh, arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday morning. This marks the conclusion of a cross-border operation involving diplomatic, legal, and law enforcement machinery across two countries.
India's Broader Fugitive Repatriation Record
The CBI stated that it continues to coordinate closely with domestic and international law enforcement agencies through INTERPOL channels and the BHARATPOL platform to trace and bring back fugitives wanted by Indian agencies. Officials noted that due to the coordinated efforts of the MEA, MHA, CBI, and other law enforcement agencies, more than 160 wanted criminals and fugitives have been successfully repatriated to India in recent years. The Singh extradition adds to a growing list of high-profile returns that underscore India's expanding international law enforcement reach. With formal proceedings now complete, Singh is expected to face trial before the competent court in New Delhi.
Point of View
Suggesting the diplomatic net is widening. The real measure of success, however, will be conviction rates once fugitives are returned — a metric that rarely features in official statements.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Prabhdeep Singh and why was he wanted?
Prabhdeep Singh was wanted in connection with a major narcotics trafficking case registered at the Special Cell Police Station in New Delhi under the NDPS Act, 1985. He was identified as the key conspirator and main organiser of the drug syndicate, with several co-accused already arrested before his extradition.
How did India secure the extradition of Prabhdeep Singh from Azerbaijan?
The CBI, acting as India's National Central Bureau for INTERPOL, secured an INTERPOL Red Notice against Singh. Following international intelligence-sharing, he was geo-located and arrested in Azerbaijan, after which India initiated formal extradition proceedings through diplomatic and legal channels that were accepted by Azerbaijani authorities.
When did Prabhdeep Singh arrive back in India?
Prabhdeep Singh arrived in New Delhi on the morning of Wednesday, 13 May 2025, escorted by a three-member Delhi Police team that had travelled to Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, to take custody.
What is BHARATPOL and how does it help in fugitive repatriation?
BHARATPOL is an Indian platform that supplements INTERPOL channels, enabling domestic law enforcement agencies to coordinate with international counterparts to trace and apprehend fugitives abroad. It is part of India's broader effort to strengthen cross-border law enforcement cooperation.
How many fugitives has India repatriated in recent years?
According to officials, more than 160 wanted criminals and fugitives have been successfully brought back to India in recent years through the coordinated efforts of the MEA, MHA, CBI, and other law enforcement agencies.
