Dubai-based kingpin linked to Rs 2,500 crore cocaine haul under under probe agency's radar: Report

A Dubai‐based narcotics kingpin accused of running one of India’s biggest cocaine smuggling operations is now being closely tracked by central agencies, NDTV has reported. The suspect, identified as Pawan Thakur, is believed to have controlled a sprawling international drug and money laundering network that routed contraband and illicit funds through multiple countries.

Investigators told NDTV that Thakur is the alleged mastermind behind the smuggling of nearly 82 kilograms of high-grade cocaine, valued at around Rs 2,500 crore, which was intercepted in Delhi in November 2024. The consignment was reportedly brought into India through a port and transported by truck to the capital, where it was hidden inside a warehouse for further distribution.

According to officials quoted by NDTV, Thakur is also linked to the methamphetamine haul worth Rs 282 crore seized earlier this week. The same network is suspected of supplying drugs through elaborate logistics channels using warehouses, port routes, and courier networks.

Before moving into global narcotics trafficking, Thakur began as a small ‘hawala’ operator in Delhi’s Kucha Mahajani market, officials said. Over time, he expanded into drug trafficking and used his experience in informal banking systems to mask profits. NDTV reported that investigators believe black money from the drug trade was funneled through cryptocurrency channels and shell companies operating in India, China, Singapore, Hong Kong and the UAE.

The Narcotics Control Bureau issued an international Silver Notice against Thakur in September. This type of notice helps agencies track assets, businesses, and financial routes of suspects across borders. The Enforcement Directorate is separately investigating the laundering of over Rs 681 crore linked to Thakur’s syndicate. During the probe, the agency froze 118 mule bank accounts and found evidence of fake import-export documents and falsified financial statements.

Officials told NDTV that Thakur fled to Dubai after the November 2024 cocaine seizure and continued to operate his network from abroad. He is believed to own multiple luxury properties and cars in Dubai, including a villa in the upscale Dubai Hills estate. A Delhi court has issued a non-bailable warrant for his arrest after he ignored ED summons.