Delhi Police's North-East District on 25 July 2026 dismantled a major interstate psychotropic drug trafficking syndicate, seizing over 19.70 lakh Tramadol and Alprazolam tablets and capsules weighing approximately 470.686 kg, along with a Tata Safari SUV. Five accused have been arrested in the operation, which exposed a well-organised network spanning Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Ghaziabad involved in the procurement, storage, and distribution of controlled pharmaceutical drugs across multiple states.

How the Investigation Unfolded

The breakthrough traces back to FIR No. 279/2026 registered at Jyoti Nagar Police Station. On 20 June 2026, police had arrested a father-son duo — Shivam Gupta and Virpal Gupta — and recovered psychotropic medicines from their possession. Sustained interrogation of the duo led investigators to Nadeem (30), a resident of Rajiv Nagar, Mandoli, Delhi, who was allegedly operating out of Bhagirath Palace in Chandni Chowk. Police recovered 24 Tramadol capsules, 16 Tramadol tablets, and 30 Alprazolam tablets from his possession before arresting him.

Nadeem's disclosures pointed to his supplier. Acting on that lead, a dedicated police team — aided by technical surveillance and local intelligence — conducted a raid in Azamgarh district, Uttar Pradesh, on 3 July, arresting Navneet (35), a resident of Nai Kot village, Mehnajpur Police Station, Azamgarh.

The Noida Godown and the Supply Chain

During his custody remand, Navneet revealed that a large quantity of psychotropic medicines had been stored in a locked godown in Ambedkar City, Noida. A subsequent search of the premises yielded 29 cartons of medicines along with 270 Tramadol capsules. The godown's tenants were found absconding with their mobile phones switched off.

Further investigation led to Ashish Sinha (46), a resident of Ganesh Tower, Krishna Garden, Ghaziabad, who was allegedly procuring Tramadol and Alprazolam from the Noida godown. Digital communication between Navneet and Ashish Sinha was confirmed through preliminary technical analysis. A Maruti Baleno car was recovered from Ashish Sinha's possession at the time of arrest.

Key Arrests and the Proclaimed Offender

On 23 July, police arrested the principal accused, Shiv Narayan Jha (45), from Ambedkar City, Gautam Budh Nagar, Noida. Notably, Jha had already been declared a Proclaimed Offender in Case No. VIII/41/DZU/2025 registered by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). His disclosures led to the arrest of associate Aman Sharma (34), a resident of Greater Noida West.

Based on Jha's statements, police conducted a search at a house near Parthala Gol Chakkar, Sector-122, Noida, resulting in what officials described as one of the largest recoveries of psychotropic substances ever made by the North-East District Police.

Scale of the Seizure

The final haul comprised 11,66,400 Alprazolam 0.25 mg tablets (151.632 kg), 18,600 Alprazolam 0.5 mg tablets (1.860 kg), 1,31,400 Tramadol tablets (55.188 kg), 80,640 Tramadol capsules (49.996 kg), and 5,73,000 Tramadol capsules (212.010 kg). In total, 19,70,040 tablets and capsules weighing 470.686 kg were seized. An additional 340 Tramadol tablets and capsules and 16 Alprazolam tablets had been recovered earlier from Nadeem and Navneet. All contraband has been seized under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

What Comes Next

Police confirmed that further investigation is underway to identify remaining syndicate members, trace the financial trail, determine the source of procurement, and map the broader distribution network. Except for Shiv Narayan Jha — who carries the NCB proclaimed offender tag — none of the other four accused had prior recorded criminal involvement, according to police.