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Gurugram: The Gurugram Police have successfully dismantled a well-organized international narcotics supply chain, marking a major achievement in the fight against cross-border drug trafficking. The arrest of a key suspect has revealed a complex operation that smuggled opium from near the India–Pakistan border to the United States using modern logistics and deceptive packaging methods. This case highlights how law enforcement agencies are adapting to combat evolving drug trafficking techniques.

Arrest of the Key Accused

The breakthrough came with the arrest of Lakhbir Singh, a resident of Kot Data village in Tarn Taran district of Punjab. He was apprehended by the Sector 40 Crime Branch of Gurugram Police after months of technical surveillance and investigation. Singh was identified as a crucial operative responsible for managing the logistics of narcotics shipments destined for overseas markets, particularly the United States.

According to police officials, Singh had been actively involved in the illegal trade since 2022 and played a central role in ensuring that narcotics crossed international borders without immediate detection.

Cross-Border Drug Procurement Strategy

Investigations revealed that the narcotics were sourced from Pakistan and transported into Indian territory using drones. The geographical location of Singh’s village, which lies just four kilometers from the Pakistan border, made it strategically suitable for such activities. Drones were used to drop drug consignments in border areas, minimizing direct human contact and reducing the risk of interception at traditional checkpoints.

This method reflects a growing trend in cross-border smuggling where technology is used to bypass conventional security measures.

Concealment and Packaging Techniques

One of the most striking aspects of the operation was the concealment strategy. The narcotics were hidden inside everyday food products to avoid suspicion. Boxes containing common food items were used, making the parcels appear harmless during routine inspections.

In one instance, opium was concealed inside jars of herbal paste, carefully sealed to prevent detection. Such meticulous packaging demonstrates the level of planning and sophistication involved in the smuggling network.

International Courier and Distribution Network

After receiving the narcotics in Punjab, Singh arranged for the parcels to be shipped using domestic courier services. From there, the consignments were routed through international courier companies for delivery abroad. Fake addresses were often used, or parcels were addressed to individuals who had migrated overseas through illegal channels, commonly referred to as the donkey route.

This layered logistics system helped the smugglers obscure the trail and complicate tracking efforts by authorities.

Financial Incentives and Profit Margins

The operation was highly lucrative. Singh reportedly earned a commission ranging from Rs 200,000 to Rs 500,000 for each parcel successfully dispatched. While the drugs were valued at around Rs 450,000 in India, their selling price in the United States reached approximately Rs 2.5 million. This massive profit margin explains the continued involvement of organized groups in international narcotics trafficking despite the risks.

The May 2023 Parcel Interception

The case first came to light in May 2023 following a tip-off from an international courier office in Gurugram. Officials from the Haryana State Narcotics Control Board intercepted a suspicious parcel intended for overseas delivery. Although the box appeared to contain clothes and food items, further inspection led to the discovery of 842 grams of opium concealed inside sealed containers.

Documentation linked the parcel directly to Singh, making him the primary suspect in the case.

Legal Action and Ongoing Investigation

After the seizure, Singh went into hiding and remained absconding for several months. In February 2025, a court declared him a Proclaimed Offender, and a cash reward was announced for information leading to his arrest. His eventual capture marks a critical step forward in the investigation.

He has since been produced before the court and remanded to police custody for further questioning.

Future Course of Action

During the remand period, investigators plan to identify other members of the network, trace financial transactions, and uncover international contacts involved in distribution. Authorities are also focusing on uncovering links across borders to prevent similar operations in the future.

This case underscores the importance of coordinated intelligence, surveillance, and inter-agency cooperation in combating international drug trafficking.