Did the Crime Branch Break an Interstate Drug Cartel?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Delhi Police's ANTF successfully dismantled an interstate drug cartel.
- Approximately Rs 17.80 crore worth of heroin was seized.
- Multiple arrests led to uncovering a structured supply chain.
- The operation highlights the increasing drug trafficking in Delhi.
- Authorities are committed to continued investigations.
New Delhi, Sep 9 (NationPress) The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) of the Delhi Police Crime Branch has successfully dismantled a well-organized interstate drug syndicate, leading to the arrest of two additional key players and the confiscation of significant quantities of illegal substances.
The total amount of heroin seized to date is valued at around Rs 17.80 crore, as reported by the police on Tuesday. The operation commenced on June 28 when ANTF apprehended Gaurav (24), a resident of Rohini, and discovered 1.4 kg of heroin in his possession.
A case was initiated under the NDPS Act, and subsequent investigations uncovered that Gaurav was obtaining drugs from Vansh Popat (19).
After initial evasion, Popat was arrested on September 2 during a raid conducted by SI Yuzvendra Singh and SI Amrendra, where police seized 26 grams of heroin from him.
His interrogation led investigators to the primary supplier of the syndicate, known as Arslam alias Danish (26), who operates from Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh.
On September 6, a Crime Branch team intercepted Arslam while he was driving a black Hyundai i20 near Milak, Bareilly.
A thorough search of the vehicle uncovered four packets, each containing 2.07 kg of heroin, and an additional 50 grams, summing up to a total of 2.12 kg.
The car and a scooter utilized for trafficking were also confiscated. Authorities stated that the accused had established a systematic supply chain. Gaurav, a school dropout from a family involved in the illicit liquor trade, began selling drugs after meeting Popat in 2023.
Popat, who is unemployed and hails from Sultanpuri, ventured into large-scale procurement after connecting with Arslam, who shifted to the drug trade after leaving his job as a two-wheeler mechanic in Rampur.
“Further efforts are underway to trace the complete supply chain and identify the origins and destinations of the additional recovered contraband,” stated DCP (Crime Branch-ANTF) Sanjeev Kumar Yadav.
This operation, officials indicated, highlights the increasing attempts by drug syndicates to infiltrate Delhi and surrounding states with heroin, and the Crime Branch’s persistent efforts to curtail supply lines through focused intelligence and coordinated operations.