New Delhi: A Dubai-based drug handler has emerged as the common link behind the entry of 562 kg of cocaine in the national capital as well as the February 1,700 kg of mephedrone, commonly known as ‘Meow Meow’, traced in Delhi and Pune, ThePrint has learnt.
In both the instances, police had seized the massive consignments, including cocaine valued at Rs 2,000 crore from south-west Delhi’s Mahipalpur Extension in October. The mephedrone haul was estimated to be approximately Rs 3,200 crore.
After the arrest of a former navy officer’s son from Amritsar airport and arrests of four persons, including South Delhi-based businessman Tushar Goyal, in the Mahipalpur haul, police sources suspect that the Dubai-based handler played a key role in the both the contraband smuggling cases.
Sources in the Delhi Police told ThePrint that the handler, a resident of Delhi, had fled the country soon after the raids were conducted across Pune and Delhi in February. Their counterparts in Pune confirmed that it is the same handler.
According to sources in the Delhi Police, this Dubai based handler was working on the instructions of a UK-based entity. Sources also stated that Delhi-based businessman Tushar Goyal and the Dubai-based handler had met in the Tihar jail through a common friend. The handler was arrested in 2011 and got bail later.
“Goyal had an arms case against him. This Dubai-based handler was also in Tihar in a drugs case. They have known each other for 20 years,” one of the sources said.
The sources said that the Dubai handler, under the ID of ‘Veeru’, was in touch with Goyal for receiving the drugs in India. They added that this handler never returned after fleeing in February. “He lived at Sarojini in Delhi. We are trying to ascertain his current location. He is in the radar of agencies,” one of the sources added.
Jitendra Pal Singh alias Jassi, who has lived in the UK for 27 years as a permanent resident, was arrested Thursday morning in connection with the Delhi cocaine haul after being detained from Amritsar airport. He is said to be one of the key players in this cartel. Following Goyal’s interrogation, a look out circular was issued against him.
Meanwhile, the sources said that Singh was sent to India by the UK-based entity and that he didn’t know Goyal from before. Sources also said that there is another US based entity as well involved in this cartel.
The Special Cell of Delhi Police had received a tip-off three months ago and after technical surveillance and human intelligence, they raided Goyal’s godown seizing cocaine worth over Rs 2,000 crore.
“The Dubai-based handler had fled from India after the February raids and arrests. He has been a part of multiple drug syndicates dealing with different contrabands from meow meow to cocaine,” a senior police officer said.
Asked if any of his family members have been questioned, the sources said they are being traced. “We are trying to ascertain the identities of the other key players and associates here in India,” the officer said.
On Thursday, Singh, the ex-Navy officer’s son, was detained after Goyal told during interrogation that he was paid Rs 3 crore cash for storing the consignments.
“The 562 kg (of cocaine) was supposed to reach Mumbai, Odisha, Maharashtra, Gujarat and some other places. There was a list of clients who were ready to pick the orders from Delhi,” another senior police officer said.
Pune Police commissioner Amitesh Kumar didn’t respond to calls from ThePrint regarding the developments in the case.
(Edited by Tony Rai)
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