Major Drug Bust in Delhi: Unraveling a Cocaine Syndicate
The recent seizure of cocaine in Delhi has sent shockwaves through the city, marking one of the largest drug busts in Indian history. With a staggering value exceeding Rs 7,000 crore, the operation has unveiled a complex network of international drug trafficking that has drawn the attention of law enforcement agencies both in India and abroad.
The Cocaine Seizure
On October 2, 2024, the Delhi Police made headlines when they recovered 208 kg of cocaine from a rented shop in the Ramesh Nagar area of west Delhi. This consignment, valued at over Rs 2,000 crore, was reportedly hidden in plastic packets labeled “Tasty Treat” and “Chatpata Mixture.” The discovery was made after the police arrested four individuals linked to the syndicate, prompting an extensive investigation into the origins and operations of this drug trafficking network.
The Key Players
Central to the investigation is Savinder Singh, a UK national of Indian origin who arrived in India just a month prior to the bust. Singh is believed to have been overseeing the transportation and delivery of the cocaine, which is suspected to have originated from South American countries. According to police sources, Singh spent approximately 25 days in Delhi, operating from three different locations before fleeing to the UK shortly after the arrests of his accomplices.
The Delhi Police have issued look-out circulars (LOCs) for Singh and five other individuals, some of whom are foreign nationals. An officer involved in the investigation stated, “As of now, we have issued LOCs against half-a-dozen people, some of them foreign nationals. One of them is the person who kept 208 kg of cocaine hidden in west Delhi’s Ramesh Nagar and fled to the UK.”
The Syndicate’s Operations
The investigation has revealed that Singh was not acting alone. He is alleged to have collaborated with a Dubai-based businessman, Virender Basoya, also known as Veeru, who is suspected of orchestrating the syndicate’s operations. Basoya reportedly worked alongside Tushar Goyal in India and Jitender Gill, alias Jassi, in the UK. While Goyal and Gill have been arrested, both Basoya and Singh remain at large, prompting a broader manhunt.
The police have indicated that around a dozen individuals are currently under investigation for their potential involvement in this extensive drug trafficking operation. The complexity of the syndicate underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in tackling international drug trafficking networks.
Enforcement Directorate’s Involvement
In a parallel investigation, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also stepped in, conducting raids across multiple locations in Delhi-NCR and Mumbai. These operations are part of a broader effort to dismantle the drug syndicate and have resulted in the seizure of various incriminating documents. The ED’s involvement highlights the serious implications of the drug bust, as it connects to larger issues of money laundering and organized crime.
On October 11, 2024, the ED announced via social media that they had conducted search operations in connection with the seizure of narcotic substances, including cocaine and hydroponic marijuana, weighing over 602 kg. The agency’s findings are expected to further unravel the intricate web of the drug trade operating within and outside India.
A Second Drug Bust
Just a week after the initial seizure, the Special Cell of the Delhi Police struck again, recovering another 208 kg of cocaine from the same rented shop in Ramesh Nagar. This second bust, valued at Rs 2,080 crore, raises questions about the scale and reach of the drug syndicate. The shop owner revealed that Singh had contacted him through a property dealer to rent the space for Rs 5,000 per month, indicating a well-planned operation.
Conclusion
The recent drug busts in Delhi serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in India. As law enforcement agencies work tirelessly to dismantle these syndicates, the involvement of international players complicates the situation further. The investigation into the cocaine seizure is still unfolding, and as more details emerge, it is clear that the fight against drug trafficking will require a coordinated effort across borders. The Delhi Police, along with the ED, are committed to bringing those responsible to justice, ensuring that the streets remain safe from the scourge of drugs.