The investigation into an alleged Rs 13,000-crore international drug network has widened to Delhi, Mumbai and other states after questioning of suspected kingpin Virendra Singh Basoya, also known as Veeru, and his son Rishabh Basoya, according to a report by Jagran – New Delhi.
Multiple teams of the Delhi Police Special Cell are searching for alleged Indian associates linked to the network. The latest leads reportedly emerged during questioning by the Special Cell and central investigating agencies, which are examining how the syndicate organised drug supplies, logistics and financial transactions across India and overseas.
Virendra Basoya was brought to India from the United Arab Emirates on August 14 after an Interpol Red Corner Notice and efforts by the Narcotics Control Bureau, the report said. He was questioned first by the NCB and later by the Special Cell. Investigators describe him as the alleged mastermind of a network operating across the United Kingdom, Pakistan, the UAE, Thailand and South America.
The agencies are examining the alleged use of pharmaceutical and chemical companies as a cover for transporting cocaine, mephedrone and other narcotic substances. The report named Pharma Solution Services, RM Biochem and Life Saver Pharma among the companies allegedly used by the network. Drug consignments were reportedly moved from Ankleshwar in Gujarat and other locations through medicine and chemical shipments, cardboard boxes and courier channels to destinations in India and abroad.
The investigation is also looking into alleged money transfers through hawala channels and foreign bank accounts. Authorities are examining how proceeds from the drug trade were moved and concealed, as well as the local financing structure supporting the syndicate.
Rishabh Basoya was allegedly detained in Abu Dhabi on the basis of information obtained during the investigation into his father and was subsequently deported to India. He was arrested at Indira Gandhi International Airport, according to the report. The Special Cell obtained seven days of custody for questioning him and later secured three days of custody for Virendra Basoya so that both could be questioned face to face.
The Special Cell has alleged that Rishabh, who had been living in the United Kingdom to study law, assisted his father in the drug trade. He had reportedly been absconding since October 2024. Investigators allege that he arranged vehicles for members of the group in 2024, which were used to transport and distribute cocaine and other drugs.
The agencies are examining whether Rishabh helped coordinate his father’s overseas contacts with logistics operations in India. His questioning has reportedly provided leads about associates based in the UAE, the UK and other countries. The investigation is also seeking to identify people involved in local funding and establish whether the network was connected to wider crime syndicates.
The case relates to seizures and investigations conducted by the Special Cell and the NCB in 2024 across Delhi-NCR, including Ghaziabad and Hapur, as well as Punjab, Gujarat and Pune. The total value of the drugs involved in different seizures was reported at about Rs 13,000 crore, including cocaine, mephedrone and a large consignment of cannabis from Thailand.
The Special Cell’s teams are continuing searches for alleged Indian members of the network in Delhi, Mumbai and other states. Further action will depend on the leads obtained during the ongoing custodial questioning and the evidence collected in the investigation.
