Delhi Police Dismantles ₹109-Crore Charas Network Linked to Nepal

In a major crackdown on an international drug syndicate, Delhi Police’s South District has dismantled a sophisticated charas supply chain, arresting four Nepalese nationals and seizing 106.250 kg of high-grade charas worth an estimated ₹109 crore. The operation, which spanned 1.5 months, uncovered a network that used social media, local transport, and covert storage facilities to move drugs from Nepal to Delhi.

Raid Uncovers Massive Storage Hub in Wazirabad

The investigation began with a smaller seizure of 8.598 kg of charas on June 29 at a residence in Kotla Mubarakpur, leading to the arrest of three individuals: Bharat Thapa (32), Govind Budha (32), and Jyoti Pun Magar (50). Their interrogation pointed police to Roshni Magar (32), who was allegedly running a major storage and distribution facility in Wazirabad.

On August 12, police raided the Wazirabad location, recovering 97.652 kg of charas packed in 13 plastic bags, along with a mixing machine and packaging materials. The drugs were reportedly sourced from Nepal's Rukum district and transported across the Sonauli border into India. To avoid detection, the syndicate relied on road routes.

Social Media and Local Transport Integral to Operations

Once the contraband reached Delhi, it was stored in various locations and repackaged into smaller quantities based on demand. Orders were coordinated through encrypted social media platforms like Telegram, and payments were made using a mix of cash and digital banking channels. To avoid leaving a trail, the accused routinely deleted their digital communications.

For local distribution, the network used autorickshaws and bike taxis to deliver the drugs to high-demand areas such as Wazirabad and Majnu Ka Tila. These areas, known for their concentration of young people and nightlife hubs like pubs, bars, and hotels, were prime targets for the syndicate.

Key Figures and Nepal Link Under Scrutiny

Roshni Magar, who had previously worked with the other arrested suspects, had fled to Nepal after the initial arrests in June. Believing the situation had cooled, she returned to India and resumed operations, only to be apprehended during the raid. Police have also identified two Nepalese nationals, Binmaya and Hari, as key figures in the supply chain. Binmaya allegedly facilitated the transportation of charas from the Sonauli border to Delhi, while Hari is suspected to have been a supplier. Their roles and financial connections are under investigation.

Financial Trail Under Investigation

Authorities are now focusing on tracing the financial transactions within the network to identify others involved in financing, supplying, and distributing the drugs. The investigation has also opened new leads into the Nepal-based end of the syndicate.

This operation underscores the growing sophistication of drug trafficking networks and their reliance on technology and local logistics to evade law enforcement. Police say the crackdown is a significant step in dismantling the supply chain, but the investigation is far from over.

Source: The Hindu