Delhi Man Arrested for Operating International Drug Trafficking Ring via Dark Web

Delhi Man Arrested for Running International Drug Ring via Dark Web

New Delhi: In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, a 32-year-old man, Lokesh Dhingra, has been arrested for allegedly orchestrating an international drug operation that utilized the dark web and cryptocurrency to smuggle high-grade marijuana valued at over Rs 20 crore. The arrest followed an extensive investigation by the Delhi Police’s crime branch.

The operation came to light on October 18 when police intercepted a parcel containing 1.5 kg of hydroponic weed worth Rs 1 crore at the RK Puram post office. "Our investigation revealed that this parcel was part of a larger syndicate importing marijuana through dark web transactions," stated DCP (crime branch) Satish Kumar. Following the interception, an FIR was registered under the NDPS Act, leading to the discovery of additional parcels worth Rs 2 crore in transit at the foreign post office.

Over a span of three months, Dhingra’s syndicate reportedly imported approximately 48 kg of marijuana, cleverly avoiding quantities classified as "commercial" to exploit legal loopholes. The contraband was ordered online using fake identities and delivered to addresses booked through various apps, subsequently distributed to retail buyers in Noida and Gurgaon.

Dhingra and his associates, Vivek and Mansher Singh, fled upon learning of the police interception. Vivek was apprehended in November 2023 upon returning from Thailand, while Dhingra and Mansher were traced to a flat in Gurgaon, where the owner, Preeti Chawla, was arrested for harboring fugitives.

Dhingra’s previous involvement in multiple NDPS cases has led to his detention under the PIT-NDPS Act. Authorities have seized properties worth Rs 1.5 crore and are investigating further into the laundering of profits through small cash deposits. The investigation is ongoing as police work to dismantle the entire network.