The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) conducted a major operation in Delhi, seizing drugs worth over ₹262 crore. The raid began at a farmhouse and, based on vital leads, NCB conducted a relentless three-day operation. The bust unveiled a significant international synthetic drug network.
Investigators discovered that the entire syndicate operated under foreign operators' instructions. Following the farmhouse raid, surveillance in the Delhi-NCR region was increased to monitor suspicious activities.
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Main Accused Shane Waris Arrested from Noida
The NCB arrested Shane Waris, 25, originally from Mangraul village in Amroha, UP, during this operation. He was residing in Noida Sector-5, Harola at the time and worked as a sales manager. Investigations revealed that Shane used fake SIM cards and secret chat apps like WhatsApp and Zangi to mask his location and activities.
Shane was apprehended on 20 November 2025. During interrogation, he confessed to his role in the drug network and shared crucial information, including the name of a woman, Esther Kimini, through whom a large drug consignment was dispatched via a porter rider. He provided her address and contact details to the NCB.
328 kg of Methamphetamine Seized from Chhatarpur
Based on Shane's revelations, the NCB raided a house in Chhatarpur Enclave Phase-2 on 20 November and seized 328.54 kg of methamphetamine, valued at over ₹200 crore in the international market. The seizure is considered one of the biggest successes in recent years.
Shane's information not only led to the recovery of contraband but also unveiled the network's foreign links, local associates, supply routes, and transaction methods.
Source: aajtak
Operation 'Crystal Fortress' Launch
Meanwhile, the Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah congratulated the NCB and Delhi Police's joint team for busting the mega trans-national methamphetamine cartel under Operation 'Crystal Fortress'. Shah remarked that the operation exemplifies seamless inter-agency coordination in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for a drug-free India. He emphasized that the government continues to combat drug cartels with both top-to-bottom and bottom-to-top approaches.
The seizure of 328 kilos of methamphetamine worth ₹262 crore and the arrest of two suspects in New Delhi marks a significant breakthrough. It stands as one of the largest methamphetamine recoveries in Delhi, highlighting the government's successful efforts to dismantle synthetic drug cartels and their transnational networks.
Network Scope and Operator Search Continuation
The NCB's investigation elucidates that this gang was a part of a major international drug syndicate controlled by operators stationed abroad. The agency is mapping out the suppliers, co-conspirators, financial channels, storage points, and transport routes comprehensively. Additional arrests are anticipated in the coming days.
'Drug Network' Operated Via Fake Sims and Secret Apps
A significant synthetic drug network active in Delhi-NCR has been exposed by the NCB. The agency apprehended 25-year-old Shane Waris from Noida, who operated the syndicate using fake SIMs and encrypted apps. Acting on his information, the NCB seized 328.54 kg of methamphetamine in Chhatarpur, valued at over ₹262 crore. The drugs were recovered from the flat of Esther Kimini from Nagaland, who has also been arrested. Investigations continue on the foreign operatives and the complete network connections.
The NCB remarked that the case is in its initial stages. Agencies are delving deeper into the drug supply chain, financial transactions, international connections, and other co-conspirators. More arrests and seizures are expected. Among the two arrested by the NCB, one is a woman named Esther Kimini from Nagaland.
