New Delhi, April 25 (IANS) In a major breakthrough under its zero-tolerance policy against drugs, the East District Police have busted an inter-state drug syndicate and arrested three drug traffickers, including two key suppliers from Uttar Pradesh. A total of 475 grams of heroin (smack), classified as a commercial quantity and valued at nearly Rs 80 lakh in the international illicit market, has been recovered.

The operation was carried out by the Anti-Narcotics Squad (ANS) of East District as part of an ongoing campaign to curb substance abuse and dismantle drug networks in the national capital.

Police officials said that sustained efforts are being made to achieve the goal of a drug-free society.

A dedicated ANS team, comprising Sub-Inspectors Rahul and Vikas, Assistant Sub-Inspectors Amit and Arun, Head Constables Pradeep Sharma, Amit Kasana, and Harendra, Woman Head Constable Anamika, and Constable Kaushal, was formed under the supervision of Inspector Arun Kumar and overall guidance of Assistant Commissioner of Police Pawan Kumar.

The team intensified intelligence gathering by activating local informers and monitoring suspected drug activities.

On April 2, the team received specific information that a individual named Mohd Arif was involved in supplying smack and would be arriving near Ghazipur Road, close to the old Regional Rapid Transit System site in Delhi.

Acting swiftly, the police laid a trap and apprehended the accused at the identified location.

During the search, 270 grams of heroin were recovered from the accused’s possession.

Subsequently, a case under the NDPS Act was registered at Patparganj Industrial Area Police Station, and further investigation was initiated.

During police questioning, Mohd Arif revealed that he sourced the drugs from two suppliers based in Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur, identified as Amit and Vikas.

Recognising the importance of dismantling the supply chain, police teams conducted multiple raids across Delhi-NCR and Uttar Pradesh.

Based on technical surveillance and the accused’s disclosures, both drug suppliers were eventually apprehended.

As much as 205 grams of heroin were recovered from the possession of the drug suppliers, bringing the total seizure to 475 grams.

All the three accused have been formally arrested, and further investigation is underway.

Police revealed that Mohd Arif initially became involved in drug peddling due to personal addiction.

Over time, he began purchasing small quantities of smack and selling them in Delhi-NCR.

In recent months, Arif escalated his operations by procuring bulk quantities from his drug suppliers and distributing them at higher prices, forming part of an organised inter-state drug network.

The accused were primarily motivated by financial gain, exploiting addiction vulnerabilities in urban areas for profit.

The accused individuals include Mohd Arif (40), a resident of Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur currently living in Delhi; Amit (22) and Vikas (28), both residents of Shahjahanpur. All three are married.

Police confirmed that the total recovery of 475 grams of heroin constitutes a commercial quantity under the law, and strict legal action is being pursued.

–IANS

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