Multinational Drug Ring Busted in NCR
The Operation’s Unraveling
In a significant crackdown on illegal drug trafficking, police in Gurgaon apprehended eight individuals, including six Nigerian nationals, connected to a sophisticated drug syndicate. This international gang utilized the dark web to facilitate a multi-crore cocaine operation, primarily targeting the National Capital Region (NCR). The arrests came on June 16, following an extensive investigation that revealed the gang had been active for three years.
The Dark Web’s Role in Trafficking
The gang had ingeniously exploited the anonymity of the dark web, a platform originally developed by the U.S. Navy for covert operations. Criminals have since adapted this technology for various illegal activities, including drug trafficking and arms smuggling. According to police, they navigated the dark web using specialized software like the Tor browser, allowing them to evade detection. This technology inhibits tracking via IP addresses, making it difficult for authorities to trace their online activities.
Communication and Organization
The drug syndicate’s reach extended beyond the virtual realm. They communicated with potential customers through shared URLs that provided access to exclusive “red rooms,” where individuals with similar interests gathered. Each member was assigned unique user IDs and passwords, facilitating effortless interactions and transactions among drug users and smugglers.
The "Factory" in Chattarpur
Operating from a rented space in Delhi’s Chattarpur area, the gang meticulously processed and packaged cocaine. After securing raw materials through coded messages on the dark web, they transformed these materials into finished products within their makeshift "factory.” The distribution strategy was equally calculated; women were often employed as couriers, allowing the gang to seamlessly blend into the vibrant party scenes across NCR.
Growing Operations and Connections
Police officials confirmed that the arrested individuals were reportedly in touch with powerful drug lords in Nigeria. Investigations suggested that several other similar drug rings might be operating in the Chattarpur region, indicating a deeply entrenched network in the area. The sheer scale of this operation has raised alarms, with authorities acknowledging the multi-crore nature of the business.
The First Arrest: A Turning Point
The investigation took a pivotal turn when the Crime Branch, led by DCP Rajesh Kumar, apprehended a Nepalese national named Vimal Pahadi near a hotel in Sector 38. Authorities seized 1.6 grams of sulfa and 116 grams of cocaine from his possession. His arrest opened the floodgates to further investigations, leading to the capture of six Nigerians: Johan David, Okolie Romanus, N Nahiofor Peter, Ojukwa Ifenya, Henry Onuchukwu, and Friday Tobias Chikwu, as well as a Mizoram resident, Lal Kothari.
Evading Arrest: The Couriers’ Tactics
At the time of his arrest, Pahadi was reportedly en route to Delhi with plans to travel to Nepal with bundles of cocaine. He had been frequently shuttling between Nepal and India, picking up drugs in Delhi or Gurgaon before returning home to distribute them at parties. Over a span of two years, he had made approximately 20 trips without arousing suspicion.
High-Tech Operations Management
The gang’s operations relied heavily on modern technology. They managed a rotating fleet of around 50 mobile phones, switching devices as needed to maintain contact with delivery teams and suppliers. In instances where communications were interrupted, members would turn off their phones to avoid detection, showcasing the lengths they went to maintain their illicit trade.
Conclusion
The arrests reveal a complex web of international drug trafficking facilitated by cutting-edge technology and an underground network that has firmly established itself in the NCR. As law enforcement continues to peel back the layers of this operation, it underscores the ongoing challenges posed by drug syndicates in an increasingly interconnected world. The resilience and adaptability of these gangs emphasize the need for heightened vigilance and collaboration across borders in the fight against drug-related crimes.
