Has Interpol Issued a Silver Notice Against Dubai-Based Fugitive Drug Lord?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- First-ever Silver Notice issued by Interpol at India's request.
- Pawan Thakur linked to 82 kg cocaine seizure in Delhi.
- The notice aids in tracking criminal assets across member countries.
- Thakur operates a Hawala network for laundering drug money.
- NCB urges global cooperation to combat drug trafficking.
New Delhi, Sep 4 (NationPress) In a groundbreaking move, the first Silver Notice of Interpol has been issued on the initiative of an Indian investigative agency against Pawan Thakur, a fugitive residing in Dubai. He is wanted for his alleged involvement in the seizure of approximately 82 kg of cocaine in Delhi back in November 2024, as reported by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Thursday.
The NCB, which coordinated closely with Interpol to publish this notice, stated: “This Silver Notice will assist in identifying, locating, and tracing properties and assets obtained through the criminal activities of the fugitive across Interpol's member nations.”
According to the NCB, investigations have revealed that Thakur is the mastermind behind the importation, exportation, and trafficking of the illicit cocaine.
He facilitated the consignment's import via an Indian port, ensuring its transportation to Delhi by road, as per the NCB's findings.
His associates were responsible for the warehousing and custodianship of the contraband in Delhi, while Thakur personally coordinated with handlers to guarantee efficient distribution.
During the inquiry, the NCB uncovered that the accused was running a Hawala network with operations in both Dubai and Delhi, channeling illegal funds and laundering proceeds from narcotics trafficking into the legitimate financial system through his associates.
Currently based in Dubai, Thakur continues to manage his narcotics trafficking and money-laundering syndicate from there, the NCB disclosed.
The federal agency emphasized, “The Silver Notice will empower law enforcement agencies, financial intelligence units, and asset recovery offices globally to exchange information with the NCB.”
The NCB has also called upon law enforcement agencies, financial intelligence units, and asset recovery offices from Interpol member countries to collaborate by sharing information regarding properties and assets tied to the fugitive.
India's leading agency dedicated to combating drug trafficking and abuse has been relentlessly working with international organizations to dismantle organized drug syndicates and disrupt their financial networks.