In a significant breakthrough, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) seized over 82 kilograms of high-grade cocaine valued at approximately ₹900 crore in west Delhi. Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauded the operation as a testament to the government’s commitment to a drug-free India, promising a relentless pursuit of drug syndicates.

Details of the Seizure

The cocaine was recovered from courier offices in Nangloi and Janakpuri and was intended for shipment to Australia. Two individuals, residents of Delhi and Sonipat, were arrested in connection with the drug bust.

The seizure, one of Delhi’s largest, came on the same day as another operation by the NCB, the Indian Navy, and Gujarat ATS, which intercepted a vessel off the Gujarat coast carrying 700 kg of methamphetamine.

Amit Shah’s Statement

Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the "bottom-to-top approach" that led to the tracking and confiscation of the massive drug consignment. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), he reiterated the government’s firm resolve to combat drug rackets and create a "drug-free Bharat."

Shah stated:

“The back-to-back major breakthroughs against illegal drugs demonstrate the Modi government's unwavering resolve to build a drug-free Bharat. Our hunt against drug rackets will continue ruthlessly. Congratulations to the NCB on this major success.”

Insights into the Operation

The operation was the culmination of months of intelligence gathering and investigation based on leads from earlier drug seizures in March and August 2024. Using advanced technical and human intelligence, the NCB tracked the syndicate’s operations despite attempts to disguise and cut off bulk quantities.

The syndicate had international links and operated using pseudonyms, with members functioning anonymously to avoid detection.

Previous Major Drug Busts

This is not the first time a massive consignment has been intercepted in Delhi. On October 2, police seized over 560 kg of cocaine and 40 kg of hydroponic marijuana worth ₹5,620 crore from a godown in Mahipalpur. The operation led to the arrest of Tushar Goyal, alleged kingpin and a former chairman of the RTI cell of the Delhi Congress, sparking political controversy.

Broader Implications

The recent operations highlight the growing sophistication of international drug syndicates and the Indian government’s intensified efforts to counter them. Shah’s emphasis on sustained crackdowns reflects the administration’s zero-tolerance approach to narcotics.

These back-to-back successes underscore the importance of collaborative intelligence and robust enforcement in dismantling drug networks, reaffirming India’s stance against the global drug menace.