New Delhi, May 8 (IANS) In a major breakthrough under the ongoing Zero Tolerance Policy against narcotics, Delhi Police on Friday successfully busted an interstate drug trafficking network involved in the illegal supply of high-quality Malana Charas from Himachal Pradesh to Delhi-NCR.

Five accused persons, including the source supplier from Village Malana in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district, have been arrested or identified in connection with the case.

The action was taken in connection with FIR No. 125/2026 registered under Sections 20/21/29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Ghazipur by the Special Staff of East District, Delhi Police.

The police recovered a total of 480.4 grams of premium-quality Malana Charas and seven mobile phones allegedly used in trafficking operations. Officials said the operation was carried out through sustained intelligence gathering, technical surveillance, field operations, and coordinated interrogation of the accused.

According to police, the investigation exposed a well-organised interstate narcotics syndicate operating across Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, and adjoining NCR regions. The network allegedly sourced premium-grade Charas directly from Malana village and transported it to Delhi through trusted couriers before distributing it to local suppliers and consumers.

The operation was conducted by a dedicated team comprising Sub Inspector Aman Singh, Head Constable Himanshu, HC Naresh, Constable Himanshu, Ct Rajeev, and Ct Sanoj under the leadership of Inspector Jitendra Malik, In-Charge of Special Staff, East District. The team worked under the close supervision of ACP Operations Pawan Kumar.

Police said that on April 9, while patrolling near Sharmanath Band in Village Ghadoli, Ghazipur, Delhi, the police team noticed two individuals behaving suspiciously and attempting to evade checking after spotting the police presence. Acting swiftly, the team apprehended the suspects and conducted a lawful search, during which 115 grams of Charas were recovered from their possession.

The accused were identified as Shubham Jain, a resident of Loni in Uttar Pradesh, and Rahul Kumar, a resident of Shiv Vihar in Baghpat district, Uttar Pradesh. Following their arrest, an extensive investigation was launched to uncover the broader network behind the narcotics supply chain.

During sustained interrogation of the accused, supported by technical analysis and human intelligence inputs, investigators obtained crucial leads regarding the interstate syndicate. Based on the disclosures and technical evidence, accused Vishal Bhardwaj was apprehended on April 18.

Police recovered 101.4 grams of premium-quality Malana Charas from Vishal Bhardwaj at the time of his apprehension. A subsequent search conducted at his premises in Gurugram led to the seizure of an additional 264 grams of Charas. Investigators later established that the narcotics were being sourced directly from Urmesh, a resident of Village Malana in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district, which is known for the production of high-grade Charas.

Acting on this information, the Special Staff team conducted an outstation operation in Himachal Pradesh and successfully apprehended Urmesh, identified as the primary source supplier in the syndicate.

Further investigation also revealed the role of another accused, Hardeep, a resident of Jagatpur in Burari, Delhi, who allegedly acted as a courier transporting consignments of Charas from Malana to Delhi. Police said Hardeep is currently lodged in judicial custody in another NDPS case, and legal proceedings have been initiated to formally arrest him in the present matter.

Investigators stated that the accused used mobile phones and personal contacts to coordinate procurement, transportation, and delivery of narcotics while maintaining secrecy to avoid detection by law enforcement agencies. Each member of the syndicate allegedly had a defined role, including sourcing, transportation, distribution, and local supply, enabling the network to function smoothly across state boundaries for financial gain.

Police identified Shubham Jain, aged 31, as a graduate and proprietor of a guest house who allegedly handled procurement and distribution of Charas in Delhi-NCR. Rahul Kumar, aged 21, is a Class 10 pass out and worked as a guest house employee. He allegedly assisted in transportation and supply operations.

Vishal Bhardwaj, aged 27, a graduate and café owner from Village Jatola in Haryana’s Kharkhoda tehsil, allegedly functioned as an active supplier and handler in Haryana and Delhi-NCR. Urmesh, aged 24, a resident of Village Malana, reportedly worked as a farmer and served as the primary source supplier of the contraband. Hardeep, aged 31, worked as a bus conductor and allegedly transported narcotics consignments from Himachal Pradesh to Delhi.

Police officials stated that none of the arrested accused, except Hardeep, had previous criminal involvement. Hardeep was found to have prior involvement in one NDPS case.

As part of the recovery, police seized seven mobile phones allegedly used for communication and coordination within the syndicate. Two mobile phones each were recovered from the accused Urmesh, Vishal Bhardwaj, and Shubham Jain, while one mobile phone was recovered from Rahul Kumar.

Officials said the successful operation enabled investigators to uncover both the forward and backward linkages of the narcotics network, including procurement channels, transportation routes, and distribution mechanisms operating across multiple states.

Police further stated that efforts are continuing to identify other members associated with the syndicate and completely dismantle the interstate network.

The police also appealed to citizens to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by sharing credible information related to narcotics trafficking or other criminal activities.

–IANS

jk/dpb