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Noida Police have arrested two men for allegedly running a drug distribution network that used WhatsApp orders and e-commerce-style parcels to deliver ganja to students and residents of hostels, paying guest accommodations and flats across Delhi-NCR.
The accused have been identified as Sumit Raghav, 36, a resident of Khoda Colony in Ghaziabad, and Manish Kumar Jha, 33, also from Ghaziabad.
Police said Jha worked as a technical engineer at Delhi Airport and was allegedly the mastermind behind the operation.
The Sector 58 police recovered 12.2 kg of ganja, a Splendor motorcycle, mobile phones and printed e-commerce-style packets from the accused.
Drugs Packed in Small E-Commerce Parcels
According to police, the operation came to light during checking near Radisson Cut in Sector 57.
Sumit Raghav was stopped while carrying a bag containing printed packets resembling those used by an e-commerce company.
When the packets were opened, police allegedly found ganja packed in small quantities of around 25 to 30 grams.
Investigators said the packaging was intended to make the parcels look like ordinary e-commerce deliveries and avoid suspicion during transportation.
Police said the arrests were made on the night of November 4 on the basis of local intelligence and confidential information.
WhatsApp Used to Take Orders
During questioning, the accused allegedly told police that orders were received through WhatsApp.
The drugs were then supplied to customers living in colleges, hostels, PG accommodations, flats and other residential locations across Delhi-NCR.
Police said online location sharing was used to coordinate deliveries.
The small packets were allegedly prepared in advance and distributed through delivery associates who were paid between ₹200 and ₹250 for each parcel.
The use of messaging applications and location sharing allowed the network to operate without relying on fixed physical delivery points.
Airport Engineer Alleged to Be Mastermind
Police identified Manish Kumar Jha as the alleged mastermind of the racket.
According to investigators, Jha worked as a technical engineer at Delhi Airport and allegedly arranged consignments of ganja from the North East.
The drugs were then divided into smaller packets and supplied through the local delivery network.
Police said Sumit Raghav was involved in delivering the packets and received between ₹200 and ₹250 per delivery.
After Raghav was detained, information obtained during questioning led investigators to Jha, who was subsequently arrested near Sector 56.
Students and PG Residents Allegedly Targeted
Investigators said the network primarily supplied ganja to young customers, including students living in hostels and PG accommodations.
Orders were allegedly placed through WhatsApp groups and individual contacts.
The accused are also suspected of supplying customers living in flats and near colleges across Delhi-NCR.
Police are examining the seized mobile phones to identify other people connected to the network, including possible customers, suppliers and delivery associates.
12.2 Kg Ganja Seized
Police recovered a total of 12 kg and 200 grams of ganja during the operation.
A motorcycle allegedly used for deliveries and mobile phones used for communication were also seized.
The presence of e-commerce-style packaging is being examined as part of the investigation into how the accused allegedly concealed the movement of drugs.
Police said the packaging was designed to prevent suspicion and make the consignments appear to be regular consumer deliveries.
Case Registered Under NDPS Act
A case has been registered against the accused under provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.
Police are now investigating the source of the drugs and attempting to identify other members of the alleged syndicate.
Investigators are also examining the supply route from the North East and the role of any associates who may have helped transport or distribute the contraband.
The wider network, including the alleged use of WhatsApp groups, location sharing and delivery agents, remains under investigation.
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.
