New Delhi: The Delhi Police Crime Branch has uncovered an alleged international drug trafficking and narco-terror network linked to designated pro-Khalistan terrorist Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dalla. Four alleged members of the network have been arrested following coordinated action in Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.
According to investigators, the group allegedly concealed opium inside courier parcels containing food items and sent the consignments to Canada. Police suspect that proceeds from the sale of the drug were subsequently used as part of a “drugs-for-weapons” arrangement to facilitate the movement of weapons into India.
The investigation began on February 7, 2026, after the Crime Branch received intelligence regarding a suspicious international courier parcel at an office in Delhi’s Moti Nagar area. Police intercepted the parcel, which appeared to contain snacks, biscuits and sweets. A detailed search allegedly revealed 2.998 kg of opium concealed in a specially created compartment at the bottom of the box.
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Opium Consignment Leads Police to Wider Network
Following the recovery, a case was registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Investigators began tracing the people involved in arranging and dispatching the consignment.
During the probe, police arrested 24-year-old Simranjeet Singh, a resident of Bathinda, with another parcel allegedly containing around 3 kg of opium. Investigators identified him as an alleged dispatcher for the network.
Police allege that Simranjeet used the identities and KYC documents of other people to book parcels through courier companies. Investigators also found that members of the alleged network operating from India used Canadian WhatsApp numbers and platforms such as Snapchat and Signal to communicate and avoid detection.
The digital communications are being subjected to forensic examination to identify additional members and establish the network’s international links.
Alleged Drugs-for-Weapons Arrangement
According to the investigation, the opium allegedly sent to Canada was sold through people linked to Arsh Dalla. Police suspect that a portion of the proceeds was used to support the network’s criminal activities in Canada, while another portion was allegedly routed towards contacts involved in supplying weapons to India.
Investigators allege that weapons were planned to be sent into India through drone-based deliveries across the Punjab border. The weapons were allegedly intended for criminal networks operating in Punjab and Delhi-NCR as well as sleeper modules linked to Dalla.
Police are now examining the financial trail to determine how money generated through the alleged drug trade was transferred and who controlled the proceeds.
Four Alleged Members Arrested
Following forensic analysis of Simranjeet’s mobile phone and alleged encrypted communications, police identified other suspected members of the network and conducted raids at multiple locations.
Hardeep Singh, 28, a resident of Barnala, Punjab, has allegedly been identified as the operational coordinator. Police claim that he collected opium consignments from designated locations using GPS coordinates and handled transactions connected with the network.
Yadvinder Singh alias Jashan Sandhu, 30, from Sirsa, Haryana, has allegedly been identified as a financial link between members operating in India and alleged pro-Khalistan handlers based abroad.
Jeevan Singh, 23, a resident of Balotra, Rajasthan, has allegedly been identified as the Rajasthan-based dispatcher. Investigators claim that he was involved in arranging the local procurement and supply of opium. Police also traced another parcel being dispatched from Bathinda through information allegedly obtained from his activities.
International Links and Weapons Trail Under Investigation
The Crime Branch is now examining the arrested suspects’ mobile phones, chats, financial transactions and courier records. Investigators are focusing on establishing the alleged connection between contacts based in Canada, proceeds from the sale of opium and the suspected movement of weapons into India.
Police are also trying to determine how many opium consignments the network may have sent abroad, how much money was generated through the alleged operation and whether weapons had already been delivered to India or were still being arranged.
The role of Arsh Dalla and his alleged associates based overseas is also being examined. Investigators are expected to rely on digital evidence, financial records, courier documentation and statements of the arrested suspects to establish the alleged network and identify additional people involved.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
