New Delhi: In a major breakthrough in the fight against narcotics, a joint operation conducted by the Anti-Snatching Cell and PS Kapashera, South West District, led to the arrest of three drug peddlers and seizure of approximately 22.5 kilograms of ganja, worth nearly ₹11 lakh in the illegal market. The operation marks a significant step forward under Mission-2027: Drug Free Delhi.
Strategic Operation and Arrests
Acting on a tip-off received on June 23, 2025, from Constable Bablu, a dedicated police team laid a strategic trap near the main red light at Samalkha, Dwarka Link Road. Two suspects arriving on a motorcycle were apprehended on the spot. They were identified as Anuj Saini (34), a resident of Roshan Garden, Najafgarh, and Ajay Shrivastav (25), residing in Bharat Vihar, Delhi.
Upon conducting a search, officials recovered 3 kg of ganja from their possession. During initial interrogation, the duo confessed to being involved in the illegal distribution of ganja across Panipat and the Delhi-NCR region. Consequently, an FIR (No. 261/2025) under Sections 20/25/29 of the NDPS Act was registered at PS Kapashera, and both accused were formally arrested.
Modus Operandi Uncovered
Investigations revealed that Anuj Saini, previously convicted in a drug trafficking case in Chhattisgarh, had served a 4.5-year prison term for possessing 54 kg of ganja. After his release, he resumed his involvement in the drug trade, this time partnering with Ajay Shrivastav.
The two accused began procuring ganja from Rahul Pandey, a supplier based in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Anuj Saini had reportedly met Rahul while in jail. The duo then distributed the contraband in various parts of Delhi, targeting consumers seeking illicit narcotics.
Following their arrest, police searched Saini’s residence in Najafgarh, recovering an additional 9 kg of ganja. A three-day police remand was obtained to expand the investigation and track the source of the narcotics supply.
Supplier Traced in Lucknow
Continuing the operation, a police team was dispatched to Lucknow, UP, to apprehend the supplier. After two days of consistent tracking, the team successfully arrested Ravi Pandey (28), a resident of LDA Colony, Lucknow, on June 26, 2025. Acting on his inputs, officials recovered 10.416 kg of ganja from his residence.
Ravi revealed that he, along with his elder brother Rahul Pandey—already a known figure in previous drug cases—was engaged in supplying large quantities of ganja to Anuj Saini. Rahul Pandey remains absconding and is currently being traced by the authorities.
Background of Accused
Anuj Saini, the main accused, has a criminal history involving drug peddling. After completing a 4.5-year sentence, he returned to Delhi and resumed illegal drug operations. His re-entry into the narcotics trade highlights the recurring pattern of repeat offenders in drug networks.
Ajay Shrivastav, younger and relatively new to the trade, came into contact with Anuj Saini and was lured into the illegal business by the promise of easy money. Together, they ran a distribution network within Delhi and neighboring regions.
Ravi Pandey, arrested in Lucknow, admitted to working closely with his elder brother Rahul in supplying the contraband to Anuj Saini. Their network was crucial to maintaining the flow of drugs from Uttar Pradesh to the national capital.
Seizure and Evidence
- The total recovery from the operation includes:
- 22.5 kg of ganja, with an estimated market value of ₹11 lakh
- A motorcycle, used for transportation of the contraband
Continuing Efforts
This successful operation underscores the commitment of South West Delhi Police towards dismantling narcotics networks under Mission-2027: Drug Free Delhi.
The operation was spearheaded by Inspector Hari Singh, In-Charge of the Anti-Snatching Cell, under the supervision of ACP (Operations) Vijay Singh. The dedicated team comprised SI Kamal Kant, SI Arvind Kumar, HC Rajkumar, HC Dilip, HC Shishram, HC Mukesh, HC Narender, HC Amit Kumar, Ct. Ravinder, Ct. Bablu, and Ct. Sunny.
Further investigation is ongoing to trace the remaining members of the network, particularly Rahul Pandey, and dismantle the supply chain fueling the illegal drug market in Delhi and nearby areas.
