Suspect in 13,000-crore drugs haul brought back

New Delhi: In a major breakthrough for Indian law enforcement agencies, Ritik Bajaj, a key suspect in the massive 2024 narcotics haul involving the recovery of contraband worth Rs 13,000 crore, was brought back to India from the United Arab Emirates on Monday.The 36-year-old Delhi resident is alleged to be a central figure in an international drug syndicate involved in the smuggling and supply of high-grade narcotics, including cocaine and Thailand-origin marijuana, commonly known as OG. He had been absconding since the case surfaced last year, leading a Delhi court to declare him a ‘proclaimed offender' on May 19 after repeated attempts to evade arrest.
The operation to secure his return was a high-level coordinated effort between Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), acting as National Central Bureau (NCB) for Interpol in India, ministry of external affairs, ministry of home affairs and Delhi Police. Investigators initially geo-located Bajaj in the UAE through the efforts of the NCB in Delhi. On Oct 9, at the request of Delhi Police, CBI facilitated the publication of a Red Notice against the suspect. Crucial intelligence on his travel movements was shared by NCB Bangkok, which tracked his transit towards the UAE. This enabled coordination between CBI and NCB Abu Dhabi, leading to his detention in Dubai, officials said. According to additional commissioner of police Pramod Kushwaha, a team from Delhi Police Special Cell's Eastern Range travelled to the UAE to take custody of the fugitive. "With his arrest, the total number of accused apprehended in the 2024 case has risen to 17," Kushwaha said. After being brought to Delhi, Bajaj was produced before a court for further legal proceedings. Police said his interrogation is expected to shed light on the cartel's cross-border logistics, which allegedly spanned Thailand, India and the Middle East. Earlier, Interpol had issued a Red Notice against Rishabh Baisoya, another fugitive wanted in connection with the same case. A manhunt is underway to trace Baisoya, believed to be in the UAE. Police have also sought permission from the court to conduct a trial in absentia against him.

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