Pakistan-Linked Arms Network Busted in Multi-State Raid, Nine Arrested

The Delhi Police Special Cell has busted an interstate arms trafficking syndicate with alleged Pakistan links, arresting nine people arrested after coordinated raids across Delhi and Uttar Pradesh and recovering a large cache of illegal weapons.

The operation led to the seizure of 23 firearms seized , including foreign-made pistols such as Glock and Zigana-type weapons, 92 live cartridges, magazines, mobile phones, and digital devices used for coordination.

Investigators said the network was being run by fugitive criminal Shahbaz Ansari, a parole jumper in an NIA case linked to arms supply in the Sidhu Moosewala murder , along with his uncle Rehan Ansari, a proclaimed offender. Both are suspected to be key handlers in a wider cross-border supply chain.

Police said the syndicate operated through a structured hierarchy sourcing weapons allegedly from Pakistan, smuggled via the Nepal border and distributed across Delhi-NCR and Uttar Pradesh. Some reports also point to possible drone-based smuggling routes , now under verification.

The group used encrypted communication platforms to coordinate procurement, transport, and payments while avoiding detection. The Special Cell launched the crackdown based on sustained intelligence and technical surveillance.

The arrests began on April 14 with Fardeen from northeast Delhi, leading to the detention of multiple associates, including Waseek, Waseem Malik, Aman alias Abhishek, Aadil, Mohammad Ahmad, Rahil, Imran, and Vishal.

Waseem Malik, lodged in Rohini Jail in another Arms Act case, allegedly coordinated logistics while others handled movement and distribution.

A major haul was made in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, where Mohammad Ahmad was arrested with 12 semi-automatic pistols and weapon modification tools. Overall, 18 pistols, two country-made shotguns, three desi kattas, and ammunition were recovered.

Investigators also seized digital evidence indicating a layered network led by Shahbaz Ansari with financial coordination by Rehan Ansari. Several accused have prior criminal records. Probe continues into international links and additional operatives.