New Delhi: In a dramatic revelation that reads like a crime thriller, the Delhi Police has busted a sprawling cross-border heroin cartel worth over ₹10 crore, stretching from Afghanistan to Delhi. Code-named ‘Operation Clean Sweep’, this multi-state anti-narcotics operation has led to the arrest of 10 key individuals and the seizure of over 1.6 kg of Afghan-origin heroin, illicit cash, and digital evidence.
One of the most startling discoveries was the use of the online gaming platform PUBG to establish contact between couriers and drug suppliers—a tactic aimed at dodging surveillance and interception.
Afghan Heroin Route & Arrest of Key Operatives
The network was first exposed when Faheem Farooq, a 37-year-old from Srinagar, was caught in Lajpat Nagar with 996 grams of high-quality heroin and ₹1.65 lakh in cash. Under interrogation, Faheem revealed he worked under Shazia Peer, a key coordinator in Delhi with deep links across Afghanistan, Pakistan, the UK, and Punjab.
Faheem also disclosed that he was paid Rs 50,000 per delivery and frequently picked up consignments from a Punjab-based smuggler named Harry. Following the leads, the police arrested Shazia from Jangpura Extension and recovered encrypted communication devices pointing to cross-border operatives.
PUBG as a Tool for Trafficking Communication
During sustained questioning, one accused admitted to using PUBG to contact his heroin supplier, revealing how digital gaming is being exploited to coordinate narcotics trafficking without attracting law enforcement attention.
Punjab Module & Smuggling Network
The cartel’s Punjab link was exposed with the arrest of Parminder Singh Deol alias Harry from Ludhiana, who had prior cases of theft and arms possession. CCTV footage had captured him handing over drugs to Faheem at a Murthal eatery.
From Harry’s phone, the police retrieved chats with drug traffickers in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the UK. This led to the arrest of multiple operatives across Amritsar and Tarn Taran, including:
- Salwinder Singh – Arrested near a Dargah in Amritsar
- Sarabjeet Singh – Possessed incriminating digital evidence
- Varinder Singh alias Sonu – Addict-turned-trafficker
- Ravi Sher Singh and Manjinder Singh – Caught with 130g heroin on a motorcycle
- Jashanpreet Singh – Caught with 372g heroin after evading an earlier raid
Weapons, Explosives & Cross-Border Nexus
Police also suspect the network’s involvement in the smuggling of arms and explosive materials. The heroin was smuggled from Afghanistan through Pakistan into Punjab and J&K, and then distributed in Delhi via local handlers. The ring operated through secure digital chats, gaming apps, and cash transactions routed through couriers posing as delivery agents.
What Was Seized?
- 1667 grams of Afghan-origin heroin
- 130 grams of suspected chemical substance
- ₹1.65 lakh in cash
- 15 mobile phones with encrypted communication
- Two motorcycles used in supply runs
Ongoing Financial & Terror Links Probe
The police have identified five properties worth over ₹10 crore for further investigation under the NDPS Act and anti-money laundering laws. Authorities suspect these properties were purchased using drug money laundered through shell companies and hawala channels.
ACP Anil Sharma, under the supervision of DCP Apoorva Gupta, led the detailed technical and ground operations that culminated in the cartel’s exposure. Investigations are ongoing to determine any links with terror financing networks.
Investigators found several incriminating videos and evidence of his links with drug traffickers across the border. He disclosed that he procured consignments directly from villages near the Pakistan border. Ravi’s family already has multiple NDPS cases pending against them in Punjab.
Further investigation led to the arrest of Jashanpreet Singh, who was initially missing when a raid was conducted at his home in Village Dhun. He was eventually located in Narli village, hiding at a relative’s residence. On questioning, he confessed to storing 372 grams of heroin at his home, which was later recovered.
The most startling revelation came when he admitted to having made contact with a drug supplier via the PUBG gaming app-a method used to bypass surveillance and traditional communication tracking.
Throughout the operation, the police also seized 15 mobile phones containing chats, videos, and contact lists pointing toward a highly organised international network. Two motorcycles used for supply runs were confiscated. The network not only trafficked heroin but is also suspected to have facilitated weapons and explosive material.
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