Article Today, Hyderabad:
A joint operation by the Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau’s EAGLE unit and the Delhi Police has uncovered a large drug trafficking network with international links. The breakthrough followed an undercover mission led by EAGLE Director Sandeep Shandilya, who spent seven days in disguise inside a high-risk locality in Delhi to gather critical intelligence on the syndicate.
Blending into the Local Setting
During the operation, Mr. Shandilya posed as a person searching for rental accommodation and stayed close to the suspected drug hub. To avoid attracting attention in an area where outsiders are often viewed with suspicion, he built local contacts and quietly observed the movements of key suspects. This strategy helped the police accurately trace the hideout of the alleged kingpin, identified as Badruddin.
Coordinated Multi-Location Raids
Based on the intelligence shared with the Delhi Police and senior crime branch officials, a large-scale operation was launched. A combined force of 124 officers from the EAGLE unit and about 300 Delhi Police personnel conducted simultaneous raids at 20 locations. As a result, more than 50 Nigerian nationals were arrested in a single coordinated action.
Massive Drug Seizure
During the raids, police seized 5,340 ecstasy tablets along with large quantities of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. The total market value of the seized narcotics is estimated at about Rs. 3.5 crore. Investigators believe the network had a wide customer base across multiple Indian cities.
Money Laundering Trail
Further investigation revealed that at least 502 Nigerian nationals were allegedly involved in supporting the drug distribution network. Officials also found that the syndicate supplied drugs to over 2,000 individuals across the country. In addition, police traced 59 mule accounts linked to the racket and froze 107 bank accounts connected to them. The kingpin is suspected to have laundered nearly Rs. 15 crore through these channels.
Use of Courier Networks
Meanwhile, police found that the accused used courier services to transport narcotics disguised as regular commercial packages. This method helped the network move drugs across States without drawing immediate suspicion. Authorities have now intensified surveillance on courier channels believed to have been misused.
Ongoing Investigation
Therefore, investigators are continuing to track financial flows, digital links, and other associates connected to the syndicate. Officials stated that further arrests are likely as the probe widens to uncover the full extent of the international drug trafficking network.
