New Delhi, March 29 (NationPress) The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) of the Delhi Police Crime Branch has successfully dismantled a sophisticated inter-state drug trafficking operation. In this significant raid, the authorities seized psychotropic substances worth more than Rs 4.5 crore, apprehending four suspects, including one minor.

This operation was executed through meticulous intelligence-gathering efforts, resulting in the recovery of a substantial amount of Alprazolam and Tramadol tablets and capsules, underscoring the extensive and organized nature of this illicit trade.

According to officials, a First Information Report (FIR No. 54/2026, dated March 18, 2026) has been filed at the Crime Branch police station under applicable sections of the NDPS Act.

The breakthrough occurred on March 17 when specific intelligence indicated the transit of a drug shipment in northeast Delhi. Swiftly responding, a team led by Inspector Praveen Rathi, under the guidance of ACP Satendra Mohan, set up a strategic operation at Shiv Vihar Tiraha on Johripur Road.

During this operation, suspect Nitin Pathak, 20, and a juvenile were stopped while transporting drugs on a motorcycle. Authorities seized 11,900 Alprazolam tablets, weighing 1.912 kg, and 825 Tramadol tablets, weighing 0.491 kg, along with the motorcycle utilized in the crime.

Further interrogation of Pathak revealed a more extensive network. A raid at a medical store in Bhopura, Uttar Pradesh, owned by co-accused Prem Singh Yadav, 30, led to the recovery of an additional 2,250 Tramadol capsules weighing 1.218 kg, resulting in his arrest on March 19.

Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of Shalu Kumar, 45, on March 21, from whom 11,955 Alprazolam tablets weighing 1.627 kg were confiscated. Another suspect, Sanjay Singh, 36, was apprehended on March 23 following a coordinated operation.

Authorities noted that the suspects were involved in the illegal procurement and distribution of prescription medications across the Delhi-NCR region, capitalizing on the high demand and substantial profit margins available in the black market.

Initial investigations indicated that Pathak, a B.Sc. graduate and former medical representative, exploited his knowledge of pharmaceutical supply chains to engage in the illegal drug trade. Yadav, who ran a medical store, allegedly provided medicines without the necessary documentation. Shalu Kumar, once a pharmaceutical entrepreneur, turned to illegal activities after his business failed during the Covid-19 lockdown, while Sanjay Singh transitioned from labor to illicit drug supply.

In total, law enforcement confiscated 3.539 kg of Alprazolam valued at approximately Rs 3.5 crore and 1.709 kg of Tramadol valued at around Rs 1 crore, bringing the total estimated value of the seizure to Rs 4.5 crore.

Officials have described this seizure as a monumental victory in the battle against drug trafficking networks in the national capital. They reaffirmed the ANTF's dedication to dismantling organized drug syndicates through intelligence-led operations.

The Delhi Police also urged the public to stay alert and report any information regarding narcotics activities, assuring that the identities of informants would be kept confidential.