In a significant success in the fight against transnational narcotics syndicates, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has secured the return to India of wanted fugitive Virender Singh Basoya @ Viru @ Basoya, a resident of Pillanji, Sarojini Nagar, Delhi. He was taken into custody upon his arrival at IGI Airport, New Delhi, early this morning.

Basoya had been arrested in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in June 2026 pursuant to an INTERPOL Red Notice published at the request of NCB. His return to India was secured through sustained coordination with the UAE authorities by Indian agencies.

In a post on X platform, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah said “Modi govt is relentlessly tracking down drug traffickers hiding abroad and destroying their entire ecosystem with a ruthless approach. Creating a new milestone in the policy of zero tolerance against narcotics, the NCB secured the return of fugitive drug kingpin Virender Singh Basoya from the UAE. By tracing the criminal through a top-to-bottom and bottom-to-top approach, our agencies have once again proven that no matter where drug traffickers hide, they cannot escape the long arm of Indian law.”

ABOUT THE CASE

The case originated in Pune in February 2024, when Pune City Police seized 500 grams of Mephedrone. Thereafter, adopting a top-to-bottom and bottom-to-top approach, the investigation was expanded to identify and dismantle the entire drug trafficking network. Subsequent investigation and follow-up operations resulted in the recovery of approximately 867 kg of Mephedrone from Pune and 970 kg from Delhi, taking the total recovery to approximately 1,837 kg of Mephedrone. The case was subsequently transferred to the Mumbai Zonal Unit of NCB for further investigation.

Investigation identified Basoya as a key overseas operative and alleged conspirator who coordinated activities of the syndicate from abroad and facilitated the export of Mephedrone consignments from India to other countries. A major consignment of approximately 970 kg of Mephedrone, recovered in Delhi, was allegedly linked to preparations for export through courier channels associated with him. His role emerged as an important link connecting the domestic manufacturing and trafficking network with its overseas distribution channels.

Basoya also figures in a separate Delhi Police Special Cell case relating to international cocaine trafficking. In October 2024, the Special Cell of Delhi Police busted a major drug trafficking cartel, leading to multiple seizures from godowns and other premises in Delhi, Hapur and Ghaziabad, as well as from a factory in Ankleshwar, Gujarat. The coordinated operations resulted in the recovery of more than 1,300 kg of cocaine, Mephedrone and hydroponic weed. Investigation into the cartel revealed Basoya’s alleged role in coordinating the procurement, transportation, storage and distribution of cocaine and other drugs.

The return of Basoya is part of NCB’s sustained efforts under Operation GLOBAL-HUNT, launched to identify, locate and pursue major narcotics traffickers and fugitives operating from overseas jurisdictions. The initiative leverages international cooperation mechanisms, including INTERPOL Red Notices, and strengthens operational coordination with Indian and foreign law-enforcement agencies. The earlier successful return of other wanted drug traffickers, including Mohammad Salim Dola from Türkiye and Navin Chichkar from Malaysia, were also significant achievements under this initiative.

Bringing back fugitives to India to face legal consequences of their crimes is in furtherance of the Vision Document on Drug Control (2026–2029), unveiled by the Hon’ble Union Home Minister As part of this roadmap, sustained efforts are underway to identify, locate and bring back other important narcotics fugitives operating from abroad through coordinated action with other national and international agencies.

Under the leadership of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the guidance of the Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, NCB remains firmly committed to the Government of India’s policy of Zero Tolerance against Drug Trafficking.

NCB will continue to pursue drug kingpins, financiers, handlers and fugitives, whether operating from within India or abroad, and work closely with national and international partners to dismantle the entire narcotics trafficking ecosystem.

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RK / RR / PR / PS