SOPHISTICATED MODUS OPERANDI INVOLVING DARK-WEB, INTERNET CALLING APPS, AND CRYPTO CURRENCIES UNCOVERED, ILLICIT DRUG TRADE PROPERTY WORTH ₹1.5 CRORE SEIZEDHYDROPONIC WEED VALUED AT ₹1.5 CRORE SEIZED
Face2News/New Delhi
To uphold the vision of a 'Zero Tolerance' policy against drugs by Delhi Police, team has ramped up its efforts to combat the drug menace. The team has been conducting widespread operations to apprehend narcotics offenders and safeguard society from the damaging impact of drugs
On 18.10.2024, secret information was received by the AGS/Crime Branch regarding the illegal activities of an international drug syndicate led by Lokesh Dhingra @ Loki. The syndicate was importing ganja (American Ganja) via the Dark Web and using sophisticated techniques to evade detection. A parcel containing 1.5 kg of exotic hydroponic weed valued at ₹1 crore was intercepted at R.K. Puram Post Office, leading to the registration of FIR 248/23, u/s 20/23/29 NDPS Act. Subsequent investigations revealed additional parcels worth ₹2 crore in transits at the Foreign Post Office.
Mr. Satish Kumar, Dy. Commissioner of Police, Crime Branch, said, the syndicate leader, Lokesh Dhingra, and associates Vivek @ Mukul and Mansher Singh absconded upon learning of the seizures. Vivek, who fled to Thailand, was arrested upon his return to India in November 2023. Lokesh and Mansher evaded arrest for months but were ultimately traced to a flat in Medawas, Gurugram, owned by one Preeti Chawla, who was arrested for harboring the fugitives.
Mr. Satish Kumar, Dy. Commissioner of Police, Crime Branch, said, the syndicate leader, Lokesh Dhingra, and associates Vivek @ Mukul and Mansher Singh absconded upon learning of the seizures. Vivek, who fled to Thailand, was arrested upon his return to India in November 2023. Lokesh and Mansher evaded arrest for months but were ultimately traced to a flat in Medawas, Gurugram, owned by one Preeti Chawla, who was arrested for harboring the fugitives.
Further investigation revealed a highly organized operation involving, Fake SIM cards and disposable phones for communication, Privacy-focused internet calling apps, Payments made via cryptocurrencies & Syndicate members infiltrating critical points like the Foreign Post Office to bypass customs inspections.
The contraband was delivered using fake IDs and Porter app bookings, then distributed to retail customers in Noida and Gurugram.
Over three months, the syndicate imported approximately 48 kg of marijuana worth ₹20–25 crore, strategically avoiding seizure of commercial quantities to exploit legal loopholes. Profits were laundered through small cash deposits and used to acquire properties, four of which, valued at ₹1.5 crore, were seized.
TEAM AND OPERATION:
A team led by Inspector Arvind Kumar and comprising SI Rajbir Singh, SI Pradeep, SI Naveen, ASI Mahesh, HC Yogesh, Ct Hemant, and W/Ct Saroj Barala, under the supervision of ACP Naresh Kumar, and under the overall supervision of Sh. Satish Kumar, DCP/Crime-IV, successfully dismantled the syndicate.
LEGAL ACTION:
Lokesh Dhingra’s habitual involvement in narcotics trafficking, evidenced by multiple cases under the NDPS Act, led to his detention under Section 3(1) PITNDPS Act, 1988, vide order F. No. U-11011/59/2024-PITNDPS dated 26.11.2024. He was apprehended from his residence on 29.11.2024 and sent to Tihar Jail following due process.
KNOW LOKESH DHINGRA ALIAS LOKI
Lokesh Dhingra @ Loki is a habitual offender involved in multiple narcotics trafficking cases. His activities posed a significant threat to public health and the national economy. This operation represents a major step in Delhi Police’s relentless fight against the drug menace.