Dubai police have apprehended Pawan Thakur, a Dubai-based Indian national identified as a significant player in the global drug trade. His arrest is anticipated to lead to his deportation to India, where he is wanted for his alleged involvement in a massive ₹282 crore meth seizure in Delhi just two days prior. This capture represents a major victory against transnational crime. Thakur is also reportedly the kingpin behind the staggering Rs 2,500-crore cocaine racket uncovered in Delhi last November. International cooperation against him escalated in September when the NCB issued a Silver Notice via Interpol. Simultaneously, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) took steps to curb his financial operations by freezing 118 of his associated mule accounts. The NCB has officially confirmed the Silver Notice against Thakur, labeling him a fugitive and the central figure in the import, export, and trafficking of drugs, including the cocaine seized in Delhi. The agency outlined his modus operandi: arranging for the import of drug consignments via Indian ports and coordinating their land transport to Delhi. His associates allegedly managed the warehousing and distribution of these narcotics in Delhi, while Thakur personally directed the handling and distribution processes. Investigations suggest Thakur operates an extensive ‘hawala’ network, with bases in both Dubai and Delhi, to move illegal funds and integrate drug money into legitimate financial channels. He is believed to have been operating from Dubai since 2019. Authorities have already filed a chargesheet against Thakur in Delhi, detailing the serious allegations he faces.
