VOI World/ Desk
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has taken custody of Virender Singh Basoya, described by the agency as a key overseas operative in an international drug trafficking network, after he was brought back to India from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
UAE authorities arrested Basoya in June after an Interpol Red Notice was issued at the request of the NCB. His return to India was secured through coordination between Indian and UAE authorities, with the NCB taking custody of him after his arrival in New Delhi.
Basoya is wanted in connection with major narcotics investigations, including a ₹13,000-crore drug seizure case investigated by the Delhi Police Special Cell. Investigators have alleged that he operated the network from Dubai and played a key role in coordinating drug trafficking operations in India.
The Delhi case involved the seizure of large quantities of cocaine and hydroponic marijuana in 2024. According to investigators, the drugs were allegedly moved through pharmaceutical companies in South India and Gujarat before being transported to Delhi-NCR.
Basoya has also been linked to a separate mephedrone trafficking investigation. Investigators recovered approximately 1,837 kg of mephedrone in seizures connected to operations in Pune and Delhi, according to reports.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah welcomed Basoya’s return, saying the development demonstrated the government’s approach of pursuing drug traffickers operating from overseas. The NCB said the action forms part of its ongoing “Operation Global-Hunt”, which focuses on locating and pursuing major narcotics traffickers and fugitives operating outside India.
Basoya’s return is significant for India’s efforts to dismantle transnational drug networks, particularly those that use overseas bases to coordinate trafficking operations in India. His custody is expected to assist investigators in tracing the wider network and its financial and logistical links.
