In a significant operation aimed at curbing the spread of narcotics, the Delhi Police's Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) successfully dismantled a massive cross-border drug trafficking cartel operating across Afghanistan, Pakistan, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), Mewat, and the Delhi-NCR region. The operation, known as Operation Clean Sweep, resulted in the seizure of 1,667 grams of superfine-quality heroin of Afghan origin and 130 grams of a suspected chemical substance. The authorities also identified illicit cash, valuable properties, and incriminating digital evidence tied to the cartel.
The Scope of the Cartel’s Operations
The drug cartel had a widespread and organized network that spanned multiple countries. The heroin being trafficked was sourced from Afghanistan, passed through Pakistan and J&K, and was distributed across India, including Punjab, Mewat, and Delhi. The illicit drugs were not only destined for local consumption but were also part of a well-established international trafficking operation. In addition to narcotics, there are suspicions that the cartel was also involved in the smuggling of weapons and explosives.
Key Drug Seizures:
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1,667 grams of high-quality heroin, suspected to be of Afghan origin.
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130 grams of a suspected chemical substance.
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Rs 1.65 lakh in cash, likely proceeds from drug sales.
How the Operation Unfolded
The investigation began with the arrest of Faheem Farooq, a 37-year-old resident of Srinagar, J&K. Farooq was caught in Delhi's Lajpat Nagar on February 9, carrying 996 grams of heroin. A search of his rented accommodation in Bhogal uncovered Rs 1.65 lakh in cash. Farooq, who had been involved in the drug trade due to financial issues following losses in his father’s jewelry business, confessed to being part of a larger network. He disclosed that he was working under Shazia Peer, a key player in the network, who connected him with suppliers.
Faheem Farooq’s Confession:
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Farooq identified Shazia Peer as his primary contact.
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Peer paid him Rs 50,000 per heroin delivery.
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He was instructed to collect consignments from Parminder Singh (Harry), a supplier based in Punjab.
Shazia Peer: A Central Figure in the Cartel
Shazia Peer, who was later arrested at her residence in Jangpura, Delhi, admitted to being involved in narcotics distribution for 2-3 years. She revealed that she was part of a much larger drug network with associates in Afghanistan, the UK, the USA, and Punjab, including individuals identified as Sohrab, Hafiz, and Harry.
Peer’s Role in the Cartel:
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Peer facilitated the smuggling of heroin from Afghanistan to India through Pakistan and J&K.
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She distributed the heroin in Delhi through local distributors, such as Faheem and Javed.
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Her operations involved coordinating shipments from Punjab-based supplier Parminder Singh.
Parminder Singh (Harry): The Punjab Connection
The network’s connection to Punjab was further revealed through the arrest of Parminder Singh, also known as Harry, a drug supplier from Ludhiana. Surveillance footage showed him handing over heroin to Faheem at a restaurant in Murthal, Sonipat. Parminder was arrested after a covert operation that involved both manual surveillance and technical analysis of his phone.
Parminder Singh’s Involvement:
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Singh was linked to drug traffickers in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the UK.
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His phone revealed contacts with suppliers in multiple countries.
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He admitted that heroin shipments were smuggled from Afghanistan through Pakistan to Punjab, J&K, and Delhi.
The Use of PUBG to Evade Surveillance
One of the most shocking aspects of the investigation was the use of PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds), a popular mobile game, as a covert communication tool between the traffickers. Jashanpreet Singh, another key figure in the cartel, revealed that he used PUBG to connect with his heroin supplier, bypassing traditional communication channels and avoiding detection by law enforcement agencies.
The Role of PUBG in the Drug Trade:
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Jashanpreet Singh used PUBG to evade surveillance and communicate with suppliers.
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He stored 372 grams of heroin at his residence in Narli Village, Tarn Taran, where he was arrested.
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PUBG provided a means to communicate without being traced by authorities.
Arrests and Key Figures in the Operation
The operation led to the identification and arrest of several other key figures involved in the cartel, including:
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Javed: A local distributor who helped distribute drugs in Delhi under Shazia Peer’s instructions.
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Ravi Sher Singh and Manjinder Singh: Arrested in Tarn Taran, Punjab, with 130 grams of heroin. Further searches led to the discovery of 299 grams of heroin at Ravi’s residence.
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Salwinder Singh: Arrested in Amritsar, Punjab, near a Dargah, who was found in possession of heroin.
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Varinder Singh (Sonu): Arrested in Tarn Taran, confessed to being both a drug addict and trafficker.
These individuals, along with Shazia Peer, Faheem Farooq, and Parminder Singh, formed the core of the trafficking operation.
The Financial Aspect of the Cartel
The operation also revealed a significant financial component to the cartel’s operations. Authorities identified five properties worth over Rs 10 crore linked to the network and have initiated freezing orders for these assets. Inputs from the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) were requested to trace financial connections among the accused.
Financial Findings:
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Five properties worth over Rs 10 crore are being investigated.
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Rs 1.65 lakh in cash was seized from Faheem Farooq.
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Authorities are working to trace the financial dealings of the cartel.
A Major Blow to Drug Trafficking Networks
The dismantling of this cross-border drug trafficking cartel is a significant step in curbing the illegal narcotics trade across South Asia. Operation Clean Sweep has not only led to the seizure of large quantities of heroin but also exposed the innovative methods used by traffickers, including the use of mobile gaming platforms like PUBG. This breakthrough highlights the evolving nature of international drug trafficking networks and underscores the need for continued vigilance by law enforcement agencies to combat this global menace.
As investigations continue, authorities are focusing on further dismantling the cartel’s operational structure, targeting financial assets, and uncovering the full scope of its international reach. The operation serves as a reminder of the constant threat posed by transnational drug trafficking and the ongoing efforts required to combat it effectively.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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