The massive drug haul came to light during a raid in Delhi’s upscale neighbourhoods, uncovering cocaine worth ₹3,000 crore and marijuana worth ₹2,000 crore. Authorities believe this drug network had been operating for years, exploiting the rising demand for high-grade cocaine in India's affluent circles. With the narcotics originating from South American cartels, the gang is suspected of funnelling drugs into India via sophisticated routes, with Goyal allegedly orchestrating these operations from Dubai.
The investigation intensified after the Delhi police obtained intelligence linking several foreign drug syndicates to the haul. The involvement of Dubai-based operatives and the potential connections to organized crime in the UK have drawn international interest, triggering joint efforts with agencies abroad. Authorities have begun probing Goyal’s associations in Dubai, where he is suspected to have facilitated the transportation of drugs through a network of couriers and intermediaries.
The Special Cell has made notable arrests over the past few weeks, including couriers and other intermediaries, each playing crucial roles in smuggling narcotics across borders. Goyal’s arrest marks a major victory for the law enforcement agencies, especially given the scale of the operation and the complexity of the drug routes. According to police sources, Goyal was apprehended while attempting to flee to Dubai, highlighting his deep-rooted ties in the UAE.
As the investigation continues, authorities are uncovering how the drug syndicate used multiple methods to avoid detection. These include utilizing legal businesses as fronts, sending drugs via hidden compartments in shipments, and leveraging corrupt officials to aid in customs evasion. The cocaine seized, in particular, has drawn attention due to its purity level, which investigators say is uncommon in India but indicates a high level of sophistication in the network.
The enforcement agencies are now seeking to trace the financial trail left by the group, working closely with banking and anti-money laundering officials to determine how the proceeds from the drug trade were laundered through legal channels. Investigators have hinted that money was moved through both offshore accounts and cryptocurrency exchanges, making it challenging to pinpoint the entire scope of the network’s finances.
Further developments in the investigation could have broad-reaching consequences as the Indian authorities deepen their collaboration with Dubai, the UK, and other countries involved. Anti-narcotics operations in Delhi have intensified following this bust, and there are calls for tighter security at major ports and airports across the country. These efforts aim to prevent any re-emergence of such large-scale drug trafficking.
The scale of the seizure, both in terms of volume and value, has raised alarm within the Indian government, prompting calls for a more comprehensive approach to combat drug cartels. Top officials from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) have been closely monitoring the case, as they believe this network may be linked to other significant drug shipments intercepted in the past year. Meanwhile, law enforcement continues to target local distributors and couriers working under the larger international cartel.