Drug network supplying pharma-based narcotics around DU’s North Campus, other parts of Delhi busted; 5 arrested

The syndicate was allegedly supplying capsules of highly addictive Tramadol, an opioid used for relieving moderate to severe pain, and Codeine-based cough syrup, said officers. Codeine is an opioid used to relieve pain and dry cough.

A total of 2,360 Tramadol capsules and 135 bottles of Codeine-based syrup have been seized, valued at approximately Rs 1 lakh in the international market, said officers.

The alleged syndicate came under the radar after Sub-Inspector Vishan Kumar of ANTF on May 12 received a tip-off about Manish Bhatle, a 26-year-old resident of Malka Ganj, that he was scheduled to deliver pharmaceutical drugs near University Road, close to Shri Ram Institute. Under the direction of ACP Raj Kumar and the leadership of Inspector Rakesh Duhan, a trap was laid, and Bhatle was apprehended the same day, police said.

Bhatle was found in possession of two plastic sacks containing 10 boxes of Tramadol-based capsules and 120 bottles of Codeine-based syrup. He failed to produce any prescription or bill for the items, officers added.

Drug Inspector Dr Swapnil Patil, who accompanied the police team, confirmed that the possession of the drugs was illegal under the NDPS Act. A case was registered under sections 22(b) and 29 of the NDPS Act.

Upon questioning, Bhatle allegedly revealed that the drugs were supplied to him by his maternal uncle Devender (57), who owned a medical shop in Malka Ganj. Devender was also subsequently apprehended. Even as no additional recovery was made during the search of his shop and house, he admitted sourcing the Tramadol from other accused Nikhil and JP, both residents of Delhi.

“Based on the disclosure of Devender, it was revealed that Nikhil, a local, had supplied six boxes of Tramadol capsules. A raid was conducted at Nikhil’s residence. He was arrested for being a mediator in the illegal drug supply chain. He disclosed that he had procured the recovered Tramadol tablets from Ankit Gupta, a medical shop owner from G.T. Karnal Road Industrial Area,” said DCP Crime Branch, Apoorva Gupta.

“On May 14, a raid was conducted at Ankit Gupta’s godown at G.T. Karnal Road Industrial Area. He accepted that he had supplied Tramadol to Nikhil without any bill or prescription. Additionally, 15 bottles of Dialex-DC Codeine syrup were also recovered from his godown and were kept without bills or invoices. The team of the Drug Control Department, present at the spot, declared the syrup illicit. The batch and brand differed from the earlier seizure. Ankit Gupta was arrested for illegal possession and supply of Tramadol capsules seized on May 12,” said DCP Gupta. Ankit also allegedly revealed to the police during his custodial interrogation that Kapil (28), a medical representative from Nangloi, had provided him with the drugs.

Kapil was arrested on May 15. According to the police, he allegedly admitted that the drugs had been arranged through one Rakesh from Udyog Nagar, who remains absconding.