Delhi Police capture leader of drug syndicate, seize banned drugs worth Rs 8 crore

New Delhi, April 17 (IANS) Delhi Police’s Special Cell has apprehended the kingpin of a drug syndicate, Yusuf Azam, seizing Tramadol capsules and codeine-based cough syrup worth Rs 8 crore. The syndicate was unearthed after the previous arrest of six members linked to his pharmaceutical company, AK Pharma.

In October 2023, police detained three individuals connected to the syndicate, leading to further arrests and seizures. However, Yusuf remained at large until recent developments pointed to his involvement as the main orchestrator.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Manoj C stated, “Through interrogation and examination of records, Yusuf Azam emerged as the primary orchestrator behind the sourcing of psychotropic medications by his associates.”

Despite several attempts to apprehend him, Yusuf managed to evade capture by constantly changing his location. Eventually, a joint effort involving manual and technological resources pinpointed his whereabouts to Transport Nagar, Lucknow leading to his arrest on April 8.

Upon investigation, Yusuf confessed to operating in the illegal drug trade for over 15 years, utilizing his pharmaceutical company as a front to procure and distribute psychotropic medications for profit in the grey market.