The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Friday confiscated 82.53 kilograms of high-grade cocaine, valued at ₹900 crore, in a major operation in the national capital. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in a statement on X, hailed the operation as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to eliminate illegal drugs and maintain a drug-free India.“
This back-to-back breakthrough against illegal drugs demonstrates the Modi government’s unwavering commitment to building a drug-free Bharat. The massive consignment of high-grade cocaine was tracked down through a thorough bottom-to-top investigation, following an earlier drug seizure at a courier center in Delhi,” Amit Shah said.
The NCB’s investigation revealed that the drug syndicate involved in the operation was being run by individuals based abroad, with some of the seized cocaine intended for shipment to Australia via courier and small cargo services. The syndicate operated through “hawala operators,” who remained anonymous and used pseudo names for communication, further complicating the investigation.
In a statement, the NCB confirmed that the cocaine was concealed in a sophisticated manner and was being smuggled through various channels in an attempt to evade detection.
Earlier Drug Seizure in Gujarat Waters
The seizure of 82.53 kg of cocaine in Delhi follows another significant drug bust earlier on Friday, when the NCB intercepted a massive consignment of 700 kg of Methamphetamine, valued at ₹2,500–3,500 crore, in Indian territorial waters near Porbandar, Gujarat. During the operation, eight foreign nationals, reportedly Iranian nationals, were arrested.
Seizures Worth ₹13,000 Crore in October Alone
This latest seizure brings the total drugs confiscated by Indian authorities in October to a staggering ₹13,000 crore. Just two weeks earlier, on October 13, Gujarat and Delhi Police had seized 518 kilograms of cocaine worth ₹5,000 crore in Ankleshwar, Gujarat, arresting five individuals in connection with the case.
Further investigations led to another significant bust on October 1, when the Special Cell of Delhi Police raided a warehouse in Mahipalpur and uncovered 562 kilograms of cocaine, along with 40 kilograms of hydroponic marijuana. Another 208 kilograms of cocaine was recovered on October 10 from a shop in Ramesh Nagar, Delhi, hidden inside snack packets marked ‘Tasty Treat’ and ‘Chatpata Mixture.’
Continued Efforts Against Narcotic Trade
Expressing his satisfaction with the ongoing efforts, Amit Shah congratulated the Delhi and Gujarat Police for their success in curbing the drug trade. “The hunt against drug cartels will continue with no laxity,” Shah assured, adding that the government remains committed to fighting the narcotics trade at all levels.
With authorities ramping up their efforts, these recent breakthroughs underscore India’s growing resolve to tackle the international drug syndicates that continue to threaten public health and national security.
