What Led to the Busting of an Inter-state Drug Syndicate in Delhi?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Feb 21 (NationPress) The Delhi Police have dismantled an inter-state drug syndicate that was operating between Uttar Pradesh and the national capital by apprehending five individuals and seizing 326.85 grams of heroin (referred to as “smack”) valued at approximately Rs 60 lakh, according to officials on Saturday.
This operation was executed by the Anti-Narcotics Squad of the East District as part of a sustained initiative against drug trafficking, reflecting a zero-tolerance policy toward narcotics.
The police action commenced on the night of February 12 after receiving credible intelligence indicating that a suspected drug dealer was set to deliver illicit substances near NH-24–Noida Link Road, close to Samaypur village in the Pandav Nagar area.
Responding to the tip-off, a police unit set up a trap and arrested Ameen Khan (24), a resident of Budaun district in Uttar Pradesh. A search revealed 291 grams of smack, categorized as a commercial quantity under the NDPS Act, in his possession.
During questioning, Khan allegedly disclosed the identities of his suppliers located in Budaun. The police subsequently obtained his custody and conducted raids in Uttar Pradesh, resulting in the arrest of two suppliers identified as Rashid (38) and Balbir (34). An additional 35.85 grams of smack was recovered from Balbir, police stated.
Authorities noted that Khan had been previously detained in 2023 for a narcotics case in Meerut and had been residing in Delhi’s Shahdara area for the last five months, allegedly distributing drugs throughout the Delhi-NCR region.
Further analysis of call records indicated the involvement of two local accomplices — Asif (27) and Ikrar (42), both from Trilokpuri in east Delhi — who were apparently involved in the distribution of the contraband. Both were later arrested and were already wanted in a previous NDPS case filed at the Mayur Vihar police station.
The police confirmed that all five suspects were part of an organized inter-state network supplying narcotics from Uttar Pradesh to local dealers in Delhi.
Ongoing investigations aim to identify further connections and dismantle the remaining network, officials added.