Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 4: In a significant breakthrough, India has secured its first-ever Interpol Silver Notice against Dubai-based fugitive Pawan Thakur, the alleged mastermind behind a major international drug trafficking and money laundering network. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) announced on Thursday that the notice was issued in connection with the seizure of nearly 82 kg of cocaine in Delhi in November 2024.

This marks the first time an Indian probe agency has initiated a Silver Notice — a specialised Interpol tool aimed at tracing and identifying criminal assets and proceeds across member nations.

The NCB said Thakur orchestrated the import of the massive cocaine shipment via an Indian port and managed its movement to Delhi, where his network stored and prepared it for distribution. According to the agency, Thakur coordinated with handlers from Dubai, overseeing warehousing and custodianship through local associates.

“Investigations confirmed that the fugitive was at the centre of the entire operation — from import to distribution,” said the NCB.

In addition to narcotics trafficking, Thakur is accused of operating an elaborate hawala network stretching between Dubai and Delhi. The NCB alleges that he laundered the proceeds from drug sales through this network, injecting illicit funds into the formal financial system with help from his associates.

Thakur is currently residing in Dubai and is believed to be continuing his operations from there.

With the Silver Notice in place, Interpol’s global network of law enforcement agencies, financial intelligence units, and asset recovery offices can now collaborate to trace Thakur’s criminal proceeds and properties internationally.

The NCB has called for full cooperation from member countries in identifying and sharing information related to assets linked to the fugitive.

The agency emphasised that the move is part of its larger strategy to dismantle global drug syndicates and choke their financial lifelines.