Crime Branch Dwarka Unit Busts Narco-Terror Module Linked to Arsh Dalla, Four Arrested
The Crime Branch's Dwarka unit of Delhi Police has busted an alleged international narco-terror module involved in cross-border opium trafficking, a drugs-for-weapons nexus, and terror financing, officials said on Sunday. Four alleged syndicate members were arrested, and investigators recovered a total of 5.138 kg of opium from multiple export consignments and from the possession of one accused.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Hardeep Singh, 28, from Barnala in Punjab; Yadvinder Singh alias Jashan Sandhu, 30, from Sirsa in Haryana; Simranjeet Singh, 24, from Bathinda in Punjab; and Jivan Singh, 23, from Balotra in Rajasthan. According to police, the recovered narcotics are estimated to be worth around Rs 3.5 crore in the Canadian market.
The investigation commenced on February 7 following specific intelligence regarding a courier parcel intercepted at a courier company in Moti Nagar, Delhi, before it could be shipped to Canada. Declared as containing food and household items, the parcel concealed 2.998 kg of opium inside a specially fabricated false bottom. A case was subsequently registered under Sections 18 and 23 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at the Crime Branch police station in New Delhi.
Following the initial seizure, investigators analysed digital devices, scrutinized financial transactions, and traced the courier network. Based on leads gathered during questioning, the team recovered an additional 921 grams of opium from a second Canada-bound parcel, 1.196 kg from a third export consignment, and 23 grams directly from Simranjeet Singh.
Police said the interstate network spanned Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, with foreign-based handlers coordinating procurement, packaging, transport, and international dispatch. The syndicate used forged KYC documents, fictitious consignor names, benami bank accounts, UPI channels, and encrypted messaging platforms including Signal and WhatsApp to conceal their operations.
Investigations revealed that proceeds from the narcotics sent abroad were allegedly directed to finance activities linked to designated Khalistani terrorist Arshdeep Singh Gill, also known as Arsh Dalla, and pay foreign handlers. In return, weapons were allegedly smuggled into Punjab via cross-border drone drops for local gang associates.
Police noted that Hardeep Singh operated as an operational coordinator, Yadvinder Singh managed packaging and coordination with foreign conspirators, Simranjeet Singh handled forged documents and dispatches, and Jivan Singh served as a link in Rajasthan. Efforts are underway to trace absconding conspirators, including Arsh Dalla, and dismantle the broader network.
