NCB and Delhi Police Special Cell Recover 328 kg of Methamphetamine Worth Rs 262 Crore from Chhatarpur, 2 Arrested

PTI,  November 23, 2025, New Delhi: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Special Cell of Delhi Police have dismantled a transnational methamphetamine cartel with the recovery of 328 kg of methamphetamine, valued at around Rs 262 crore, from a house in Delhi’s Chhatarpur, a government statement issued on Sunday said.

The operation, named "Operation Crystal Fortress," was a coordinated intelligence-based effort aimed at targeting high-volume synthetic drug networks. It resulted in the arrest of two individuals, including a woman from Nagaland, on November 20, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) statement added.

Described as one of the biggest recoveries of illicit drugs in the national capital, the huge stash of high-quality methamphetamine was found at the residence of the Nagaland-native woman in Chhatarpur, south Delhi. She was arrested with the assistance of Nagaland police, the ministry confirmed.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated the joint team of the NCB and Delhi Police for busting the transnational methamphetamine cartel and recovering drugs worth Rs 262 crore.

In a post on X, Shah said, "Our government is shattering drug cartels at an unprecedented pace. Fiercely pursuing the top-to-bottom and bottom-to-top approach in the investigation of drugs, a breakthrough was achieved by seizing 328 kg of methamphetamine worth Rs 262 crore in New Delhi and arresting two."

He hailed the operation as a "brilliant example of seamless multi-agency coordination" that would help realise the vision of a drug-free India.

"This decisive action is the culmination of a relentless pursuit over the last few months based on intelligence and technical intercepts, uncovering a well-organised trafficking chain, eventually leading to this major breakthrough," the MHA statement said.

The statement also revealed that other operatives have been identified, including the kingpin, who is operating from abroad and is wanted in connection with the recovery of 82.5 kg of high-grade cocaine by the NCB last year in Delhi.

"Efforts are underway, in coordination with international enforcement partners, to secure his deportation to India to face legal proceedings," the MHA said.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the cartel operated through multiple couriers, safe-houses, and layered handlers, with Delhi serving as a key hub for distribution, both within India and internationally.