In a record-breaking drug bust, the Delhi Police’s Special Cell seized Colombian cocaine worth over ₹6,500 crore in an international market. This is the largest drug haul in Delhi and northern India. Four key members of the cartel involved in smuggling and distributing the drugs have been arrested, while raids continue. Special Commissioner R.P. Upadhyay confirmed that the operation, which has been ongoing for several months, successfully intercepted the cartel’s activities.
Cocaine Targeted for Concerts in Major Cities
The seized drugs were stored in a godown in Mahipalpur, Delhi, and were intended for distribution at four major upcoming music concerts and festivals across Delhi, Mumbai, and Goa between October and March. The cocaine was to be discreetly delivered in cardboard boxes, disguised as shipments of shirts, according to police officials. The cartel had been smuggling drugs from Latin America, including Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, and Mexico, and selling them to college students, professionals, and wealthy businessmen in Delhi and Mumbai.
Months of Surveillance Lead to the Seizure
Delhi Police’s Special Cell had been tracking the cartel since August, following intelligence from a central agency. Led by Additional Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Pramod Singh Kushwaha, the team spent three months surveilling cartel members. On October 1, based on specific intelligence, the police raided the godown owned by Tushar Goyal, the cartel’s main point of contact in India. Along with the cocaine, 40 kg of hydroponic marijuana worth ₹2.5 crore was also seized.
Goyal, a resident of Vasant Enclave in Delhi, was identified as the primary receiver and distributor for the cartel. The cocaine had a street value of ₹12 crore per kg, while the marijuana was valued at ₹60 lakh per kg.
Arrests and Dubai Cartel Links
In addition to Goyal, three others were arrested: Himanshu Kumar from Hind Vihar, Aurangzeb Siddiqui from Uttar Pradesh’s Deoria, and Bharat Kumar Jain from Kurla West, Mumbai. Goyal’s family is involved in the publication business, but he later shifted into real estate and allegedly became associated with the Dubai-based cartel. Himanshu Kumar, who served as Goyal’s bouncer, and Siddiqui, his driver, were integral to the cartel’s operations. Jain, with ties to the Mumbai underworld, expanded the cartel’s influence.
The kingpin of this cartel is reportedly based in Dubai, and efforts are underway to apprehend him.
Major Victory for Delhi Police
The arrest of these individuals is seen as a significant success in disrupting a large-scale drug trafficking network. Special Commissioner Upadhyay praised the operation, stating that the seizure represents a major breakthrough in the fight against organized crime syndicates involved in drug trafficking. The arrest of key cartel members and the seizure of such a large quantity of narcotics have dealt a significant blow to the international drug trade.
Authorities are continuing their investigation and are actively pursuing the cartel’s leader in Dubai as the case unfolds.
Leave a Reply