560kg cocaine worth ₹2,000 crore seized in Delhi's biggest bust
What's the story
In a significant operation on Wednesday, the Delhi Police dismantled an international drug syndicate, seizing 560kg of cocaine valued at over ₹2,000 crore. This bust is reported to be the largest in the city's history.
Acting on a tip-off, four individuals were arrested in South Delhi's Mehrauli area with the narcotics consignment.
Among those apprehended was Tushar Goyal of Vasant Vihar and his associates Himanshu and Aurangzeb, along with receiver Bharat Jain from Kurla West.
Investigation update
Details emerge on cocaine seizure, link to Middle Eastern country
Pramod Singh Kushwaha, Additional CP of Delhi Police's Special Cell, revealed that 15kg of the seized cocaine was found in the personal possession of Goyal, Himanshu and Aurangzeb.
The trio was apprehended while exiting a godown in Mahipalpur Extension. The remaining narcotics were discovered inside the godown.
Kushwaha stated that "the forward and backward linkages point to a Middle Eastern country," marking this as "the biggest cocaine haul in recent times."
Syndicate links
Narco-Terror angle probed, syndicate's Afghan connection suspected
The Delhi Police Special Cell is now investigating a possible narco-terror angle to the case.
Officials have stated that the arrested individuals had planned to distribute the cocaine in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
The operation is suspected to be part of an international drug syndicate run by Afghan nationals based in New Delhi.
This revelation comes after a two-month-long investigation triggered by an initial tip-off.
Prior arrests
Previous arrests of Afghan nationals shed light on syndicate
This major bust follows the recent arrest of two other Afghan nationals, Hashimi Mohammad Waris and Abdul Nayib, during a raid in Tilak Nagar.
The police recovered 400gm of heroin and 160gm of cocaine from their possession.
Waris, who has been living in India on refugee status since January 2020, was allegedly involved in collecting and delivering drug consignments within Delhi and NCR for $100 per delivery.
Suspects' background
Afghan nationals lured into drug trade, police reveal
According to the police, Nayib, also an Afghan national and a registered refugee, arrived in India with his father in January 2020. His family remains in Afghanistan.
Nayib was reportedly introduced to the drug trade by Waris, whom he met at a chemist's shop in Vikaspuri.
Waris allegedly enticed Nayib into the illicit business with promises of a lavish lifestyle.