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Biggest cocaine bust in Delhi's history: International drug cartel links suspected; what we know so far

Delhi Police Special Cell seized 565 kilograms of cocaine worth Rs 2,000 crore, which was to be sold across the country, particularly across the NCT

Image of confiscated cocaine being destroyed used fore representation | AFP

In what is described as the biggest cocaine consignment seizure in the history of Delhi to date, the Delhi Police Special Cell seized 565 kilograms of the addictive drug -- valued at over Rs 2,000 crore. 

Four people were arrested by the Delhi Police after the cocaine consignment was intercepted by the Special Cell. It was confiscated from South Delhi's Mehrauli area, news agency PTI said.

The cocaine was being brought by a drug cartel operating from the national capital, reports said. It was sourced from abroad and was meant for distribution primarily in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), reports said. The police suspect that high-profile parties were likely the major market for the drug network. 

The seizure was made based on intelligence on the cartel's operations. Its movements were tracked for over two months by the Special Cell meticulously before the operation was given a go-ahead just before the festive season. The Delhi Police Special Cell is tasked with combating organised crime, Times Of India (TOI) said in a report. 

The seized cocaine was brought to Delhi in large trucks from a neighbouring state in large sacks, the daily added. Among the arrested four men was the kingpin of the cartel's Delhi-based operations and his links to international drug syndicates are being probed.

560 kilograms of cocaine could make 5 million doses approximately and the drug bust potentially saved countless lives from drug addiction, additional commissioner Pramod Singh Kushwaha told the press. The interrogation of the arrested men is expected to reveal more details about the operations of the drug syndicates.