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India secures return of fugitive drug kingpin Virender Singh Basoya from UAE, Amit Shah hails ‘new milestone’

Union home minister Amit Shah announced the return of the fugitive drug kingpin on Friday as he hailed the ‘milestone’ of ‘zero-tolerance against narcotics’.

Updated on: Aug 14, 2026, 10:53:08 IST
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The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has secured the return of fugitive drug kingpin Virender Singh Basoya from the United Arab Emirates, Union home minister Amit Shah announced on Friday as he hailed the ‘milestone’ of ‘zero-tolerance against narcotics’.

Union home minister Amit Shah announced the return of the fugitive drug kingpin on Friday. (ANI)
Union home minister Amit Shah announced the return of the fugitive drug kingpin on Friday. (ANI)

In a statement posted on X, Shah wrote, “Modi govt is relentlessly tracking down drug traffickers hiding abroad and destroying their entire ecosystem with a ruthless approach."

He called the development a "new milestone" in the government's “zero-tolerance policy towards narcotics”.

Basoya has been accused of masterminding an international drug syndicate.

Shah on 3-year plan to end drug trade

In June this year, Shah unveiled the government’s Vision Document on Drug Control (2026-2029) and the Narcotics Control Bureau Annual Report-2025. The documents were released alongside a three-year national plan aimed at dismantling drug trafficking networks.

He said the Centre would act against the entire narcotics ecosystem with such force that “it will not be able to recover for decades.”

More than 40 ministries and departments are part of the plan, which seeks to tackle the narcotics ecosystem through joint efforts in enforcement, intelligence, prevention and rehabilitation, HT reported earlier.

Shah also said the Centre was examining gaps in the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. It is also reviewing the classification of precursor chemicals and psychotropic substances that are used in drug production.

‘Operation Global-Hunt’

Earlier in April this year, the NCB secured the deportation of alleged global drug kingpin Mohammad Salim Dola, 59, from Turkey under 'Operation Global-Hunt'.

Dola, who had links with the Dawood Ibrahim syndicate, was detained by Turkish agencies in Beylikduzu and deported to India on April 28, 2026. The NCB took him into custody after he arrived at Delhi's IGI airport.

 
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