Rs 2K cr cocaine seized in warehouse bust

The Special Cell of the Delhi Police intercepted a drug trafficking operation, seizing approximately 200 kg of cocaine from a warehouse in Ramesh Nagar, officials said on Thursday. The police said the confiscated drugs have an estimated value of over Rs 2,000 crore.

The syndicate was uncovered as the police tracked a GPS-equipped vehicle, allegedly used to transport drugs, which led them to the warehouse. The drugs were hidden inside plastic packets of snacks with 'Tasty Treat' and 'Chatpata Mixture' written on them. About 20-25 such packets kept in cartons were recovered, the police said. Initial investigations suggest that the person responsible for transporting cocaine to Delhi had fled to London.

The police suspect that the Ramesh Nagar seizure could be linked to the previous major bust earlier this month. On October 2, over 560 kg of cocaine and 40 kg of hydroponic marijuana, valued at Rs 5,620 crore, was confiscated from a godown at Mahipalpur in South Delhi.

The police have arrested eight persons in connection with the October 2 seizure. Four suspects were apprehended on the scene, while three were arrested later in Amritsar and Chennai. One more suspect, identified as Akhlak, was recently arrested in Uttar Pradesh’s Hapur. “Akhlak used to help transport drugs in northern India,” one of the official said.

The authorities have also issued a lookout circular for an Indian-origin Dubai-based businessman, identified as Virender Basoya. He is suspected to be linked to the Rs 5,620 crore drug cartel. "We got a tip off during investigations of our previous seizure and arrest. On Thursday evening, a team of the Special Cell recovered the consignment," a police officer said.