New Delhi, March 29: The Anti-Narcotics Squad (ANS) of the Delhi Police has successfully dismantled an inter-state Cannabis supply network, leading to the arrest of a key supplier involved in the illegal distribution of cannabis in the National Capital Region (NCR). This operation was confirmed by officials on Sunday.
Authorities stated that the arrest of the main supplier has dealt a significant blow to a drug network active across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha. The police apprehended two individuals, identified as Akbar (36) and Firoz Khan (41), both residents of Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, during a special operation conducted on the night of March 11 and 12. They were stopped while riding a scooter and were found in possession of two white bags.
After completing all necessary legal formalities, police searched the bags and seized a total of 21 kilograms and 730 grams of cannabis, classified as a ‘commercial quantity’ under the law. Additionally, approximately 46 grams of smack were recovered from Firoz Khan. Following this seizure, a case was registered at the Kalyanpuri police station under the relevant provisions of the NDPS Act, and an investigation was initiated.
During interrogation, Firoz Khan revealed that he purchased cannabis from a supplier named Akash Kumar Digal, hailing from the Kandhamal district of Odisha, and sold it in small quantities across various parts of Delhi-NCR. A police officer noted, “It was clear that without arresting the main supplier, it would not be possible to halt the influx of narcotics.”
Under the leadership of Inspector Arun Kumar and with close monitoring from NCP Operations Pawan Kumar, a special team of the Anti-Narcotics Squad was formed. Investigators discovered that after the arrest of the two accused, the suspect had shut down all his contact numbers. His location was traced to a remote forest area in Kandhamal district, complicating the operation further.
The Anti-Narcotics Squad team conducted extensive technical analysis and raided multiple locations across different districts in Odisha while continuously monitoring the suspect’s activities. On March 26, based on new intelligence, the team successfully apprehended Akash Kumar Digal after pursuing him from Kandhamal district to near Bhubaneswar.
After completing legal formalities, the accused was brought to Delhi on March 28. Police reported that he has been formally arrested in this case and is currently being interrogated to uncover further contacts within the drug supply chain.
During questioning, the accused disclosed that his village is located in a forested area where cannabis grows naturally. He mentioned that due to difficult terrain and dense forests, law enforcement agencies rarely conduct regular checks in those regions. He also admitted to recognizing the high demand for cannabis in the market and began supplying it to Delhi-NCR. Approximately two to three years ago, he connected with Firoz Khan and started supplying large quantities of cannabis.
Police indicated that his primary motive was to earn money, viewing the illegal cannabis trade as an easy way to make quick profits. He is believed to be part of an organized inter-state drug syndicate involved in the illegal narcotics trade for financial gain. Investigations are ongoing to dismantle the entire network.