How a single arrest in Delhi’s Lajpat Nagar led to fall of a massive interstate drug syndicate

“After discreet surveillance, a team intercepted Anirudh Rai, 49, in Lajpat Nagar and recovered about 2 kg of Tramadol powder. That seizure opened the floodgates,” said Sanjeev Kumar Yadav, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime).

A special ANTF team led by ACP Satendra Mohan fanned out across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and conducted sustained raids and even engaged in a high-speed chase to intercept consignments.

“Manoj Rai, 62, the alleged source of the drugs, was picked up from Uttar Pradesh. His disclosure led to Kishan Pal alias Bhullar, 62, from Delhi, from whose house 503 gm Alprazolam was recovered. Further interrogation pointed investigators to Krishan Tanwar, 42, a repeat NDPS offender, who was arrested near Chandni Chowk,” DCP Yadav said.

The same day, the police intercepted a car near the Singhu Border after a chase that ended near Narela. The driver, Manoj Kumar, 45, from Haryana, was found carrying over 5 kg of Tramadol in the boot. Raids in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand led to the arrest of Parshant, 33, and Amit, 45, and significant additional recoveries.

The police said the syndicate sourced raw materials used in the manufacture of medicines and diverted them for illegal repackaging and sale. Several accused individuals had prior ties to the medical trade or pharmaceutical companies—experience that investigators say helped them conceal criminal activity as routine commerce.

Further investigation is underway to trace the remaining links and financial beneficiaries of the network.