Man Accused in Rs 13,000-Crore Drug Smuggling Case Extradited From UAE

In a major breakthrough for India's fight against transnational drug trafficking, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in close coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), and INTERPOL, successfully extradited fugitive Ritik Bajaj from the United Arab Emirates on December 23, 2025. Bajaj, the prime accused in a high-profile case involving the smuggling and supply of narcotic substances valued at approximately ₹13,000 crore, was brought back to New Delhi by a Delhi Police team and is now in custody to face legal proceedings.

The case dates back to October 2024, when Delhi Police conducted large-scale seizures of cocaine worth ₹13,000 crore across Delhi and Gujarat, along with 50 kg of hydroponic marijuana. Five individuals were arrested at the time, and a chargesheet was filed against 14 accused, including Ritik Bajaj. Following his flight from India, authorities traced him to the UAE through intelligence inputs from the NCB in New Delhi. His location was geo-tracked, and credible travel data confirmed his presence in the Gulf nation.

On October 9, 2025, INTERPOL issued a Red Notice (Control No. A-14700/10-2025) at the request of Delhi Police, with vital assistance from the CBI. Further collaboration between the CBI, NCB Bangkok, and NCB Abu Dhabi played a key role in pinpointing Bajaj's whereabouts and facilitating his arrest and extradition. The swift operation highlights India's strengthened international partnerships in combating organized crime and drug syndicates operating across borders.

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This extradition marks a significant victory for law enforcement agencies in dismantling major narcotics networks. The ₹13,000-crore drug haul remains one of the largest seizures in recent years, underscoring the scale of the illicit trade and the challenges it poses to national security and public health. With Bajaj now in Indian custody, investigators are expected to intensify efforts to uncover the full extent of the smuggling racket and identify any additional links in the chain.

The successful return of the fugitive demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated multi-agency action and the growing global cooperation in tracking and repatriating economic offenders and drug traffickers. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to pursuing all those involved in such cases, regardless of where they attempt to hide.

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