New Delhi: Indian authorities have successfully extradited Prabhdeep Singh, a notable fugitive, from Azerbaijan on Wednesday. This significant achievement highlights the strong cooperation between international law enforcement agencies.
Singh, who was wanted under an Interpol Red Notice, was brought back to India by a specialized team consisting of three members. The operation was a joint effort by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Delhi Police, and various ministries, including the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Recent intelligence indicated that Singh was staying in a flat in Baku, prompting a swift response from a special team sent to assist in his arrest. This capture is particularly crucial as many Indian gangsters and drug traffickers have recently begun using Azerbaijan as an escape route, believing it to be safe from Indian authorities.
This operation represents a major step forward in India’s fight against narco-terrorism and organized crime. The total number of fugitives returned to India in recent times now exceeds 160, as reported by the CBI.
On Wednesday morning, Singh arrived at Delhi airport under the escort of a team led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Vivek Tyagi from the Delhi Police’s special cell, according to Additional Commissioner of Police Pramod Kushwaha. Singh was a top target for law enforcement following his involvement in a pressing case associated with the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Investigations revealed Singh’s role as the main organizer behind a large narcotics operation, which resulted in the confiscation of 358 kg of heroin.
Having fled India earlier this year, Singh was tracked down in Baku after the CBI issued an Interpol Red Notice at the request of the Delhi Police. The CBI, which serves as the National Central Bureau of Interpol in India, utilized the Bharatpol network for effective communication with both domestic and foreign agencies.
After his detention by Azerbaijani authorities, a formal request for extradition was processed through legal and diplomatic channels, leading to his return to India. The investigation into Singh began in 2021, initiated by the arrest of Rizwan Kashmiri in South Delhi. This led to the discovery of a complex drug network involving Afghan nationals and the seizure of large quantities of drugs, including 166 kg of heroin found in one vehicle and 115 kg in another.
Singh is related to a notorious drug kingpin based in Turkey, Navpreet Singh, who runs the operation. As the operational coordinator in India, Singh’s extradition is expected to unveil crucial details about the financial aspects and international connections of this drug syndicate. Investigators are keen to continue questioning him to better understand the network’s activities both within India and in other countries.
