Dubai-Based Kingpin Pawan Thakur Arrested in UAE Over ₹2500 Crore Cocaine Haul

In a significant international breakthrough, Pawan Thakur, a Dubai-based Indian national accused of masterminding a massive cocaine smuggling operation, has been arrested in the United Arab Emirates and is set to be deported to India. Thakur is linked to the seizure of nearly 82 kilograms of high-grade cocaine in Delhi in November 2024, a consignment with an estimated street value of ₹2,500 crore.

The seizure was hailed as a major success by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and other Indian agencies, who identified Thakur as the central figure in an organized network with deep linkages to Dubai. Following a months-long international manhunt, his arrest marks a critical milestone in dismantling a sophisticated transnational drug trafficking syndicate.

From Hawala Agent to Narcotics Kingpin

Investigative sources reveal that Thakur's rise in the criminal underworld began in Delhi's Kucha Mahajani market, where he previously operated as a hawala agent. This background in informal money transfer systems provided him with the expertise to manage the complex financial logistics of large-scale narcotics smuggling, eventually propelling him up the ranks to become an alleged kingpin.

The NCB, after intercepting the colossal consignment, escalated its pursuit by issuing an international INTERPOL Silver Notice in September 2025. This notice was specifically designed to trace Thakur's assets and coordinate his arrest across international jurisdictions, ultimately leading authorities to his location in Dubai.

A Complex Smuggling Chain Unraveled

Officials detailed a sophisticated smuggling operation orchestrated by Thakur. The 82 kg cocaine haul is believed to have entered India through a major port before being transported by truck to a warehouse in Delhi. From there, it was destined for distribution across the country. The elaborate logistics chain, involving shipping, land transport, and storage, pointed to a highly organized network with significant preparation and financial backing.

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A Win for International Cooperation

Thakur's arrest is being viewed as a testament to enhanced India-UAE law enforcement cooperation. A source confirmed to GoodMorningDubai that Thakur "has been located and arrested" and "will soon be deported to India." This case highlights the critical role of the Gulf region as a base for narcotics networks targeting India and underscores the importance of tracking cross-border money flows and coordinating asset seizures.

The Indian government will now initiate formal deportation procedures to bring Thakur back to face justice. Once in India, he will be charged with severe offences, including drug trafficking, money laundering, and organized crime. Investigators plan to use his arrest as a pivot to uncover his accomplices, financiers, and the full extent of his international network.

In summary, the arrest of Pawan Thakur in Dubai represents a decisive blow to a high-value international drug cartel. It signals a positive step in bilateral security cooperation and serves as a stark reminder of the transnational nature of modern narcotics syndicates. As Thakur awaits deportation, Indian authorities are preparing to unravel the complete web of his extensive criminal operations.