New Delhi: The Delhi Crime Branch has busted an alleged interstate drug trafficking network involved in the illegal supply of restricted pharmaceutical drugs. In a major operation, the Narcotics and Drug Response (NDR) team of RK Puram arrested four accused and recovered approximately 14.226 kg of alprazolam, along with 21,180 tramadol tablets and capsules.
Police also seized a motorcycle and a scooter allegedly used for transporting the drugs.
Special Team Formed to Crack Down on Drug Trafficking
Deputy Commissioner of Police Chandra Kumar Singh said a special team was constituted under the supervision of ACP Umesh Barthwal and led by Inspector Rakesh Kumar.
The team included Sub-Inspectors Ashok, Saurabh, Pramod and Yatendra Malik, Assistant Sub-Inspectors Vikas and Kamal, along with several head constables.
The operation was conducted as part of the ongoing crackdown against the illegal trade and distribution of restricted medicines.
How Did the Police Uncover the Drug Trafficking Network?
On October 31, the police team apprehended Munesh Kumar Gupta (44) and Akhilesh Mishra (46) near Nigambodh Ghat while they were allegedly transporting a consignment of medicines on a motorcycle.
During the search, police recovered 16,380 tablets and capsules from their possession.
Based on information obtained during interrogation, the team conducted a raid in Madipur and arrested the alleged main supplier, Virendra Kumar alias Hero (48). Police recovered another 4,320 tramadol capsules from his possession.
Fourth Accused Arrested, Drug Stock Recovered from Shop
During further investigation, police arrested another accused, identified as Rajeshwar Pandey alias Gopal (34).
A search of his shop led to the recovery of 480 capsules.
Meanwhile, the Drug Control Department also initiated action against a stock of medicines belonging to 31 categories that was allegedly stored without valid licences and purchase invoices.
NDPS Act Invoked, Investigation into Wider Network Underway
A case has been registered under Sections 22(C), 25 and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Police are now investigating the wider network to identify individuals involved in supplying and distributing the restricted medicines. Efforts are underway to trace both the upstream suppliers and downstream distributors connected to the alleged trafficking operation.
The recovery of a substantial quantity of pharmaceutical drugs and the arrest of four accused mark a significant development in the Delhi Crime Branch’s action against illegal drug trafficking.
