AB Desk(AR), New Delhi, 23-11-2024: In a major breakthrough against drug trafficking, the Delhi Police’s Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) arrested two individuals, including a Nigerian national, and seized over 3 kilograms of high-quality MDMA worth more than ₹4 crore. The operation has unearthed an intricate international drug distribution network spanning Delhi-NCR, Himachal Pradesh, and Goa.

Arrests and Seizure

The two accused, Sanatan Goswami, a taxi driver-turned-drug peddler from Ghaziabad, and Ikechukwu, a Nigerian national, were apprehended in separate operations. Goswami was arrested on November 14 near Kalibari Apartments in Delhi’s Gol Market, with 33 grams of MDMA recovered from him. This quantity falls under the commercial category of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

Ikechukwu, a supplier in the cartel, was arrested on Wednesday in Chattarpur. A search of his rented accommodation led to the recovery of tracking IDs linked to international parcels. These parcels, traced to the Foreign Post Office, contained 6,790 Ecstasy tablets weighing 3.037 kilograms.

Modus Operandi and International Links

The investigation revealed that Goswami was introduced to the drug trade through his association with African suppliers. Leveraging his taxi driving profile, he developed a network of affluent customers in Delhi’s upscale areas, including Connaught Place.

Ikechukwu, who arrived in India eight years ago and had lived in Kolkata and Faridabad before settling in Chattarpur, acted as a key supplier in the cartel. His involvement was tied to an African national named Frank, who allegedly coordinated the shipment of narcotics through international courier services.

Police Statement

Sanjay Bhatia, Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch), highlighted the sophistication of the operation. “The seized contraband was traced to international suppliers with extensive distribution channels. This indicates a well-organized network operating across multiple states,” he said.

The operation was led by inspectors Jasbir and Vikas Pannu under the supervision of ACP Raj Kumar and DCP Bhisham Singh. FIRs have been registered under sections 22 and 25 of the NDPS Act, and further investigations are ongoing to dismantle the broader network.

Impact

This successful operation underscores the Delhi Police’s commitment to combating the scourge of drug trafficking. With international ties and high-value narcotics involved, the case highlights the need for coordinated efforts to disrupt such sophisticated cartels.