Delhi, India: Central investigative agencies are closely tracking Pawan Thakur, a Dubai-based smuggler accused of coordinating one of India’s largest cocaine trafficking cases, officials confirmed.

Thakur is suspected of playing a key role in the shipment of nearly 82 kg of premium-quality cocaine valued at around ₹2,500 crore. The consignment, seized in Delhi in November 2024, allegedly entered the country through a coastal port before being transported by truck to the national capital. Investigators believe the drugs were kept in a warehouse awaiting distribution.

Officials also link Thakur to a recent methamphetamine seizure in Delhi valued at ₹282 crore. According to agencies, he was deeply involved in illegal ‘hawala’ channels and sophisticated money-laundering operations long before he moved into major narcotics trafficking.

Authorities say Thakur initially operated as a ‘hawala’ facilitator in Delhi’s Kucha Mahajani market, later expanding into international drug smuggling using his financial network to hide profits. Evidence gathered so far indicates that proceeds from the drug racket were funneled through a complex web of cryptocurrency exchanges, offshore shell firms, and financial setups spread across India, China, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the UAE.

In September, the Narcotics Control Bureau issued an international Silver Notice to help foreign enforcement bodies trace Thakur’s assets, front companies, and financial activities across borders.

Alongside the NCB’s investigation, the Enforcement Directorate is probing allegations that Thakur’s syndicate laundered over ₹681 crore using forged import-export records, crypto transactions, and manipulated financial paperwork. The agency has already frozen 118 accounts linked to him and conducted multiple searches of his properties.

Despite repeated ED summons, Thakur never appeared for questioning, leading Delhi’s Patiala House Court to issue a non-bailable warrant against him.

Sources reveal that after last year’s major drug bust and the arrest of five of his associates, Thakur fled to Dubai with his family. From there, he allegedly continued operating his trafficking and laundering networks. He is also said to have purchased several luxury cars and high-end real estate, including a villa in the exclusive Dubai Hills area.