Delhi Crime Branch Busts Major Drug Trafficking Syndicate

New Delhi July 31 2024 : In a series of operations across Delhi, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) of the Delhi Crime Branch has dismantled a significant drug trafficking syndicate, apprehending nine individuals and seizing 655 grams of heroin valued at over ₹1.5 crore in the international market. Additionally, ₹1,44,000 in cash and one auto-rickshaw (TSR) were confiscated.

Operation 1: Arrests and Seizures

In the first operation, seven individuals were arrested:

1. Laxman Chauhan, 28, Madanpur Khadar
2. Tasleema Khatun, 41, Gandhi Nagar
3. Ashu Malik, 36, Madanpur Khadar Extension
4. Darshan, 57, Madanpur Khadar
5. Beauty, 55, Shastri Park
6. Vikram alias Bhola, 27, Madanpur Khadar
7. Abdul Rehman, 31, Shastri Park

Seizure: 385 grams of heroin, ₹1,44,000 cash, and one auto-rickshaw.

Investigation and Arrests:

• Acting on a tip-off from ASI Sandeep Kumar, the ANTF team, led by Inspector Jai Bhagwan and supervised by ACP Anil Sharma, conducted a raid at U-turn Sonia Camp, Gandhi Nagar. Laxman Chauhan and Tasleema Khatun were apprehended with 305 grams of heroin, ₹1,04,000 cash, and an auto-rickshaw. FIR No. 69/24 under sections 21/25/29 of the NDPS Act was registered.
• Following further investigation, Ashu Malik was arrested with 8 grams of heroin and ₹40,000 cash.
• Darshan, Beauty, Vikram alias Bhola, and Abdul Rehman were subsequently arrested with varying quantities of heroin.

Profiles of the Accused:

• Laxman Chauhan, a taxi driver turned auto-rickshaw owner, was involved in drug trafficking due to financial distress.
• Tasleema Khatun, a seasoned drug supplier, along with her associates, played a crucial role in distributing heroin in Delhi.
• Beauty, previously involved in six NDPS cases, along with her accomplices Vikram and Abdul Rehman, was a key figure in the syndicate.

Operation 2: Additional Arrests

In the second operation, two more individuals were apprehended:

1. Himanshu, 23, Mangolpuri
2. Shubham Jalim, 28, Mangolpuri

Seizure: 270 grams of heroin and one venue car.

Investigation and Arrests:

• Acting on SI Om Prakash’s information, the ANTF team conducted a raid near Maharaja Agarsen Park, Mangolpuri, leading to Himanshu’s arrest with 270 grams of heroin and a venue car. FIR No. 137/24 under sections 21/25 of the NDPS Act was registered.
• Himanshu’s interrogation led to the arrest of Shubham Jalim, the source of the recovered heroin.

Profiles of the Accused:

• Himanshu, from a criminal family background, procured heroin from his brother-in-law Shubham for distribution.
• Shubham Jalim, also from a criminal background, sourced drugs from his brother-in-law Ajay, facilitating the drug supply chain.

Total Recovery: 655 grams of heroin, ₹1,44,000 cash, and one auto-rickshaw.

Statement from Amit Goel, IPS, Dy. Commissioner of Police, ANTF (Crime Branch), Delhi: The operations mark a significant success in the ongoing fight against drug trafficking in the Delhi/NCR region. Further investigations are underway to dismantle the remaining network.