New Delhi, August 14: In a significant victory against international drug syndicates, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) successfully repatriated wanted fugitive Veerendra Singh Basoya (also known as Veeru) from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to India. Basoya, a resident of Pilinji in Sarojini Nagar, was apprehended upon his arrival at Delhi’s IGI Airport on Friday morning.
Basoya was arrested in June in the UAE based on an Interpol Red Notice issued at the request of the NCB. Indian agencies coordinated closely with UAE authorities to ensure his return.
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah stated in a post on X, “The Modi government is continuously tracking drug traffickers hiding abroad and is committed to dismantling their entire networks. With the NCB ensuring the return of fugitive drug kingpin Veerendra Singh Basoya, we have set a new milestone in our zero-tolerance policy against drugs. Our agencies have demonstrated once again that drug traffickers cannot evade Indian law, no matter where they hide.”
The case began in February 2024 when Pune City Police seized 500 grams of mephedrone. Following this, investigations expanded to identify and dismantle the entire drug trafficking network using a top-down and bottom-up approach. Subsequent investigations led to the seizure of approximately 867 kilograms of mephedrone from Pune and 970 kilograms from Delhi, totaling around 1,837 kilograms.
Basoya was identified as a key foreign operative and alleged conspirator in the drug trafficking network. He coordinated syndicate activities from abroad and assisted in sending mephedrone shipments from India to other countries. The large haul of approximately 970 kilograms of mephedrone seized in Delhi was reportedly linked to export preparations through his courier channels. His role emerged as a crucial link connecting domestic manufacturing and smuggling networks to foreign distribution channels.
Basoya’s name also surfaced in a separate case related to international cocaine trafficking handled by the Delhi Police Special Cell. In October 2024, the Special Cell uncovered a major drug trafficking ring, seizing large quantities of drugs from warehouses in Delhi, Hapur, Ghaziabad, and a factory in Ankleshwar, Gujarat. These operations yielded over 1,300 kilograms of cocaine, mephedrone, and hydroponic cannabis. Investigations revealed Basoya’s alleged involvement in managing the purchase, transport, storage, and distribution of cocaine and other drugs.
His return is part of the NCB’s ongoing efforts under ‘Operation Global-Hunt,’ aimed at identifying, tracking, and apprehending major drug traffickers and fugitives operating abroad. This initiative utilizes international cooperation methods such as Interpol Red Notices and strengthens operational coordination with Indian and foreign law enforcement agencies. Previous successes under this initiative include the repatriation of other wanted drug traffickers like Mohammad Salim Dola from Turkey and Naveen Chichkar from Malaysia.
Bringing fugitives back to India to face legal action aligns with the goals outlined in the ‘Drug Control Vision Document (2026–2029)’ issued by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This roadmap emphasizes continuous efforts to identify, track, and repatriate other significant drug-related fugitives working abroad in collaboration with national and international agencies.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Home Minister Amit Shah, the NCB remains fully committed to the Indian government’s zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking.
The NCB will continue its operations against major drug lords, financiers, handlers, and fugitives, whether they operate from India or abroad, while collaborating with national and international partners to dismantle the entire drug trafficking network.
Leave a Comment