New Delhi: The Delhi Police Crime Branch has busted a major inter-state narcotics network, arresting two smugglers from Uttar Pradesh and seizing heroin worth ₹1.55 crore, officials confirmed on Saturday.
The accused, identified as Mahendra Pal (50) and Natthu Khan (60), were found trafficking heroin from Bareilly and sourcing alprazolam — a potent pharmaceutical used to treat anxiety — from Rampur. The chemical was allegedly used to enhance the potency and street value of heroin, police said.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Aditya Gautam, the two traffickers smuggled the contraband into Delhi and Punjab, distributing it through local peddlers at transit hubs, especially around Ghazipur in Uttar Pradesh. To evade detection, they posed as ordinary passengers, travelling via public transport while hiding the drugs in personal items.
💥 ISC |Crime Branch, Delhi STRIKES BIG! 🚔
— Crime Branch Delhi Police (@CrimeBranchDP) July 19, 2025
Major narco syndicate busted — supply chain from UP to Delhi-NCR & Punjab smashed!
✅ 1.5 KG Alprazolam 💊 worth around Rs. 30 Lakhs seized
✅ 606 GM Heroin worth around RS. 1.25 Cr seized.
👥 2 habitual traffickers arrested!
💪 Led… pic.twitter.com/jmFrYIMxZ8
Pal, who initially acted as a middleman supplying alprazolam to heroin processors, eventually established a direct distribution network for modified heroin. He was arrested on June 28 near Harijan Basti, Ghazipur, with 1.543 kg of alprazolam and 296 grams of heroin in his possession.
Based on his interrogation, police arrested his associate Natthu Khan on July 11 from Bareilly, seizing another 310 grams of heroin. Officials also revealed that Khan’s brother held a licensed opium cultivation permit, which was allegedly misused for illegal heroin production.
A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and further investigation is in progress, police added.
