AGS/Crime Branch busts international drug gang

Mahesh Dhoundiyal - Delhi

• Gang kingpin arrested along with another of his accomplices
• High quality opium recovered
• 02 accused arrested

Introduction:

Achieving a major breakthrough against the international narco-network, the relentless team of AGS/Crime Branch has busted a sophisticated international drug gang which was clandestinely selling opium under the guise of Ayurvedic digestive tablets. Two key operatives of the gang namely Lalit Ahuja alias Lucky and Harvinder Kumar alias Harsh Dawar have been arrested in a major operation. The gang had deep international tentacles, with its network extending across continents.

In a remarkable seizure, 472 grams of premium quality opium disguised as Anardana digestive tablets of a reputed Ayurvedic company was nabbed, a stark reminder of how criminal ingenuity is now weaponising household items to smuggle narcotics globally. The kingpin was finally nabbed in Ludhiana, Punjab, giving a severe blow to the global drug underworld.

Brief facts of the incident:

On 22.05.2025, specific intelligence reached AGS/Crime Branch about a suspicious parcel on its way to Canada. A swift and strategic raid at the DHL Warehouse revealed the shocking truth, opium tablets were cleverly concealed inside Ayurvedic Anardana Digestive, hidden among clothes, chocolates and other harmless items. The contraband seized weighed 465 grams. FIR No. 123/25 under Sections 18/23/29 NDPS Act was registered and investigation was taken up.

After thorough technical analysis and investigation the sender was traced to Ludhiana, Punjab, where a team conducted a swift raid on 24.05.2025 and arrested Lalit Ahuja alias Lucky, owner of a local medical store. 7 grams of similar opium tablets were recovered from his shop.

During interrogation, Lalit exposed the shady world behind this operation. He was procuring drugs from wholesale medical dealer Harvinder Kumar alias Harsh Dawar. Lalit revealed an international web with major destinations being Canada and Australia where Punjabi diaspora communities created a demand for such narcotics. Harvinder would handle procurement and packaging while Lalit would manage overseas dispatch and the profit would be equally divided. This was not a one-time event, several consignments had already reached foreign shores.

After Lucky's arrest, kingpin Harsh Dawar gave up his phone on 26.06.2025, the relentless chase ended. Harsh was arrested in a dramatic raid at New Dawar Agency, Pindi Street, Ludhiana. A key figure in the syndicate, his capture is a significant milestone in dismantling the racket.

Information, Team and Operation:

The operation was based on intelligence received by Sub Inspector Rajbir Singh. On a tip that a parcel full of narcotics was going abroad through DHL, a quick action plan was chalked out.

A special team led by Inspector Arvind Kumar comprising Sub Inspector Rajbir Singh, Assistant Sub Inspector Mahesh Singh, Head Constable Yogesh, Head Constable Sandeep and Constable Hemant worked under the close guidance of Assistant Commissioner of Police/AGS Shri Bhagwati Prasad and overall supervision of Deputy Commissioner of Police/Crime Branch Shri Harsh Indora, IPS. Their timely action foiled a successful international narcotics delivery.

ACCUSED PROFILE:

1. Harvinder Kumar alias Harsh Dawar, born in 1981, hails from Ludhiana, Punjab. Despite being a 12th pass, he gradually took over his father's medical wholesale business New Dawar Agencies. He entered the world of crime after coming in contact with anti-social elements and getting addicted to alcohol. With friends living abroad and a desire for quick profits, Harsh started exploiting the medical business to smuggle opium.

2. He partnered with Lalit Ahuja alias Lucky, owner of Vardaan Drug Store, also based in Ludhiana. Together, they hatched a daring plan to mix the drugs into Ayurvedic-looking tablets and send them internationally in parcels filled with ordinary goods. This cartel is a horrifying reminder of how legitimate businesses are still being used to hide the illegal drug trade.

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