City
Epaper

Crime Branch busts interstate drug cartel, seizes heroin worth Rs 17.8 cr

By IANS | Updated: September 9, 2025 16:30 IST

New Delhi, Sep 9 The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) of the Delhi Police Crime Branch has dismantled a ...

Open in App

New Delhi, Sep 9 The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) of the Delhi Police Crime Branch has dismantled a highly organised interstate narco-syndicate with the arrest of two more key operatives and seizure of high-value contraband.

The total recovery so far amounts to heroin worth approximately Rs 17.80 crore, police said on Tuesday. The crackdown began on June 28, when ANTF arrested Gaurav (24), a resident of Rohini, and recovered 1.4 kg of heroin from his possession.

A case was registered under the NDPS Act, and further investigation revealed that he was sourcing drugs from one Vansh Popat (19).

Despite initial attempts to evade arrest, Popat was apprehended on September 2 in a raid led by SI Yuzvendra Singh and SI Amrendra. Police recovered 26 grams of heroin from him.

His interrogation led investigators to the syndicate’s major supplier, identified as Arslam alias Danish (26), operating from Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh.

On September 6, a Crime Branch team intercepted Arslam near Milak, Bareilly, while he was travelling in a black Hyundai i20.

A search of the vehicle yielded four packets containing 2.07 kg of heroin each, along with another 50 grams, totalling 2.12 kg.

The car and a scooter used in trafficking were also seized. Police said the accused had created a structured supply chain. Gaurav, a school dropout from a family involved in the illicit liquor trade, began selling smack after meeting Popat in 2023.

Popat, unemployed and from Sultanpuri, expanded into bulk procurement after connecting with Arslam, who turned to the drug trade after abandoning his work as a two-wheeler mechanic in Rampur.

“Further efforts are being made to trace the entire supply chain and identify the source and destination of the further recovered contraband,” said DCP (Crime Branch-ANTF) Sanjeev Kumar Yadav.

The bust, officials said, underscores the growing attempts of drug syndicates to push heroin into Delhi and adjoining states, and the Crime Branch’s ongoing efforts to choke supply lines through targeted intelligence and coordinated raids.

Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor

Open in App

Related Stories

InternationalQatar denies prior warning of Israeli strike, calls US claim "baseless"

InternationalTrump "felt very badly" about location of Doha attack, but backs Hamas elimination as "worthy goal", says White House

EntertainmentCardi B shares why she wants to have more kids

EntertainmentBig B shares his scary jungle safari encounter with an African elephant

InternationalMEA calls for "restraint and diplomacy" after Israeli strikes kill top Hamas leaders in Doha

National Realted Stories

NationalTop Cong leaders to visit Bengal to overhaul the party, prepare strategy for 2026 Assembly polls

NationalOdisha DGP instructs cops to fast-track investigations into crimes against women

NationalOdisha Police submits preliminary chargesheet in FM College student death case

NationalGujarat: Ahmedabad to host 11th Asian Aquatics Championship 2025; official Jersey unveiled

NationalAnti-terrorist operation ends in J&K’s Kulgam district