The Delhi Police has made a significant arrest in a massive drug smuggling case valued at Rs 13,000 crore. Officers apprehended a 30-year-old man from Sikkim, identified as Tilak Prasad Sharma. Police describe him as a key carrier in the operation.
How the Drug Network Operated
Investigations uncovered a complex supply chain. A fake company, registered under the name of a Bangladeshi citizen, allegedly procured chemicals from local vendors. These chemicals included chloroform and bromine. The materials were then smuggled into Delhi for drug processing.
The Arrest and Connections
Deputy Commissioner of Police Amit Kaushik stated that Sharma was arrested in Sikkim and brought to Delhi. Sharma reportedly transported around 40 kg of Thai marijuana from Thailand. He acted on the directions of Ritik Bajaj, a key supplier arrested last month in Dubai and deported to India.
This arrest marks the 20th in the ongoing case. Police revealed that Sharma made multiple trips to Thailand. He concealed consignments of Thai marijuana in his luggage at airports.
The Major Drug Haul
In October 2024, the Special Cell's Eastern Range executed a major operation. They recovered 1,289 kg of cocaine and 39.706 kg of Thai marijuana. The seizures occurred in Delhi and Gujarat. Police termed this the biggest drug haul in the Capital's history.
The Fake Company Network
Police identified several vendors involved in supplying raw materials. These vendors include AS Joshi & Company from Mumbai, Priyank International from Mumbai, King Life Science Manufacturer from Ankleshwar, and Aarham Chemicals from Mumbai. They supplied materials to a firm called RM Biochem.
RM Biochem was one of three fake companies used in the smuggling operation. The materials were ultimately sent to Aavkar Drugs. During a raid at Aavkar Drugs in Ankleshwar, Gujarat, in October 2024, Delhi Police seized 518 kg of cocaine. The estimated value of this seizure is Rs 5,000 crore.
The Processing Chain
According to police officials, RM Biochem acted as an intermediary. It was registered in the name of Ramjan Bishwas. The company facilitated the transfer of raw materials between small chemical vendors and Aavkar Drugs.
The materials moved through a convoluted chain:
- RM Biochem supplied materials to Life Saver Pharma without legitimate bills.
- Life Saver Pharma then transferred them to Pharma Solutions Limited, also without bills.
- Pharma Solutions finally supplied the materials to Aavkar Drugs for cocaine processing.
Pharma Solutions provided at least seven different chemicals to Aavkar Drugs. These chemicals were used to process cocaine and methamphetamine. Two specific chemicals named were 'HVK' (2,040 kg) and 'GR-25' (1,200 kg). GR-25 refers to 4-Methyl propiophenone, while HVK is monomethylamine.
International Links and Masterminds
Investigations revealed that all three fake companies were set up on the instructions of Rana Tarandeep Singh. Police allege that Singh is a Pakistan-based associate of the cartel's mastermind, Virender Basoiya.
Chemists working for Life Saver Pharma and Pharma Solutions were reportedly contacted by Rana. They were recruited into the smuggling operation to procure raw materials.
Key members of the cartel remain at large. This includes Virender Basoiya, also known as Veeru. He is a Dubai-based businessman alleged to be funding the entire operation. Police efforts to apprehend him and other associates are ongoing.
