New Delhi: In a major crackdown against the drug trade in East Delhi under ‘Operation Kavach’, the police have busted an alleged drug network. The Anti-Narcotics Squad of the East District arrested five alleged drug smugglers and recovered 100 grams of MDMA, 61 grams of smack (heroin), and 3.816 kilograms of cannabis from their possession and hideouts. According to the police, the recovered MDMA falls under the ‘commercial quantity’ category. During the operation, ₹42,540 in cash, an electronic weighing scale, empty small packets (pouches), two mobile phones, an automatic pistol, and two live cartridges were also seized.
East District DCP Rajiv Kumar Rawal stated that the Anti-Narcotics Squad had received information that Karan (alias Nitish) and Nikhil were selling small packets of cannabis in the Sabzi Mandi and Ghazipur-Kalyanpuri areas. On the intervening night of September 25-26, the team laid a trap at the Ghazipur Sabzi Mandi and apprehended both individuals. A search led to the recovery of 61 grams of smack from Karan and 2.532 kilograms of cannabis from Nikhil.
During interrogation and the subsequent police investigation, both accused allegedly named Rishi Gupta (alias Rahul/Akash) as their source. Following this, the police intensified their efforts to reach the root of the network. On the intervening night of September 27-28, the police conducted a raid at the Northern School Block in Mandawali and arrested the alleged source, Rishi Gupta, along with his associates Prem Singh and Kunal Morya.
According to the police, a search of the suspects and their residence led to the recovery of 100 grams of MDMA, 1.284 kg of cannabis (ganja), ₹42,540 in cash, empty small packets, an electronic weighing scale, two mobile phones, an automatic pistol, and two live cartridges. A separate FIR under the Arms Act has been registered at the Madhu Vihar police station regarding the recovery of the weapon.
**Big Business in Small Packets**
Police investigations allege that Rishi Gupta, along with his associates, procured MDMA and cannabis and—through Karan and Nikhil—had them packed into small sachets for sale in the Sabzi Mandi and Kalyanpuri areas. According to the police, the empty packets and electronic scale were used to weigh and package the narcotics, while the mobile phones were allegedly used to contact customers and negotiate deals.
Police Records of the Accused Being Scrutinised
According to the police, Karan (alias Nitish), 26, is a resident of Ghaziabad and has studied up to the 11th grade; he reportedly has a prior case registered against him under the Arms Act. Nikhil, 28, is also from Ghaziabad and studied up to the 9th grade; he reportedly has a prior case of theft against him.
Rishi Gupta (alias Rahul, alias Akash), 22, is a resident of Mandawali and studied up to the 11th grade. Police state that he has 12 prior cases registered against him and has previously been convicted in a murder case. He is also alleged to be involved in other offenses, including violations of the Arms Act, robbery, and attempted murder. Prem Singh, 22, is a resident of Mandawali, and Kunal Maurya, 25, is a resident of Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh. According to the police, neither had any prior criminal cases registered against them.
Rajiv Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Police (East District), stated that the campaign against drug trafficking is ongoing. The police are identifying networks active at both local and inter-state levels and taking action against them. The police have appealed to the public to report any information regarding the sale or trafficking of narcotics in their area by calling 112, contacting the nearest police station, or reaching out to the ‘Manas’ helpline at 1933.
The Action Team
The East District Anti-Narcotics Squad carried out this operation. The team comprised SI Vikas, SI Savita, SI Devendra, ASI Arun, HC Devesh, HC Pradeep Sharma, HC Amit Kasana, HC Ashok, HC Vikrant, HC Vivek, HC Lakhan, HC Harendra, W/HC Anamika, and Constable Kaushal. The team was led by Inspector Arun Kumar (In-charge, Anti-Narcotics Squad), and the operation was executed under the guidance of Amandeep Kaur, ACP (Operations, East).
