Dubai Arrests Mastermind Behind ₹2,500 Crore Drug Network: Pawan Thakur Faces Deportation to India

Officials report that Thakur initially established himself as a 'hawala' agent in Delhi's Kucha Mahajani market.

New Delhi:

Authorities have apprehended Pawan Thakur, a Dubai-based drug trafficker accused of orchestrating one of India's largest cocaine seizures last year. Officials confirmed he will soon be deported to India to face charges.

Investigators identify Thakur as the mastermind behind the smuggling operation involving nearly 82 kilograms of high-grade cocaine valued at approximately Rs 2,500 crore, which was intercepted in Delhi in November 2024. The shipment reportedly entered through an Indian port before being transported via truck to a warehouse in the capital for distribution.

Additionally, officials connect Thakur to a methamphetamine seizure worth Rs 282 crore recently confiscated by anti-drug authorities in Delhi. Investigators indicate that Thakur has extensive experience in 'hawala' operations and money laundering activities.

According to officials, Thakur began his criminal career as a 'hawala' agent in Delhi's Kucha Mahajani market before expanding into large-scale narcotics trafficking, utilizing his financial expertise to conceal illicit proceeds. The black money generated from drug trafficking was allegedly channeled through a sophisticated 'hawala' network, with evidence suggesting the use of cryptocurrency transactions and shell companies across multiple countries including India, China, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the UAE.

In September, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) issued an international Silver Notice against Thakur, enabling global law enforcement agencies to track assets, businesses, and financial operations linked to him across various jurisdictions.

Beyond the NCB investigation, the Enforcement Directorate is examining how Thakur's syndicate allegedly laundered over Rs 681 crore through fraudulent import-export documentation, cryptocurrency transfers, and falsified financial records. The agency previously conducted raids on Thakur's properties and froze 118 accounts under his control.

After Thakur repeatedly failed to respond to summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate, Delhi's Patiala House Court issued a non-bailable warrant for his arrest.

Sources reveal that following last year's drug seizure in Delhi and the arrest of five associates, Thakur and his family fled to Dubai, where he continued managing his smuggling and money laundering network. He reportedly acquired numerous properties and luxury vehicles in Dubai, including a villa in the prestigious Dubai Hills estate.