Nagaland woman among 2 held as NCB busts Rs. 262 cr meth cartel in Delhi

In a major crackdown, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Special Cell of Delhi Police busted a transnational methamphetamine cartel which led to the seizure of 328 kg of methamphetamine worth Rs. 262 crore and arrest of two persons on November 20, including a woman from Nagaland.
The crackdown, named “Operation Crystal Fortress”, was a coordinated intelligence-based operation targeting high-volume synthetic drug networks, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) statement said.
According to NCB, the OPS Branch, in collaboration with Delhi Police Special Cell (CI), recovered the contraband from a house in Chhatarpur, Delhi, on November 20. The operation followed months of intelligence development and technical surveillance that helped uncover a well-organised trafficking network using Delhi as a distribution hub for India and international markets.
NCB said the two arrested individuals- including the woman from Nagaland whose residence the bulk recovery was made- were detained with support from Nagaland Police. Several other operatives have been identified, including the alleged kingpin based abroad, who is also wanted in last year’s 82.5 kg high-grade cocaine seizure in Delhi.
“Efforts are underway, in coordination with international enforcement partners, to secure his deportation to India to face legal proceedings,” it said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated NCB and Delhi Police.
In a post on X, Shah said the government was “shattering drug cartels at an unprecedented pace” through a top-to-bottom and bottom-to-top approach. Terming the operation a “brilliant example of seamless multi-agency coordination”, he said the crackdown reflects the Centre’s commitment towards a drug-free India.
Authorities stated that the cartel operated through multiple couriers, safe-houses and layered handlers. The seizure is among the biggest methamphetamine recoveries reported in the capital.
NCB said Operation Crystal Fortress reflects its continued focus on dismantling synthetic drug networks and urged citizens to share information on narcotics through the MANAS National Helpline 1933.