A major figure in international narcotics trafficking, identified as Navpreet Singh, has been deported from Türkiye and returned to India. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the development on Saturday, stating that Singh had been on the run for several years.
According to Minister Shah, Singh allegedly obtained Turkish citizenship using a false identity, Navab Virk. From this position, he is accused of continuing to smuggle heroin and methamphetamine into India from Afghanistan. Indian agencies reportedly tracked him down, uncovered his true identity, and secured his deportation.
Singh, also known as ‘Nav’, is a 34-year-old native of Punjab. He is alleged to have led a large international drug syndicate. His cousin, Prabhdeep Singh, also known as ‘Harry’, who was reportedly involved in running the India-based operations, was extradited from Azerbaijan in May. Prabhdeep Singh is wanted in a 2021 narcotics case involving the seizure of 358 kg of heroin.
The deportation is part of a broader effort by the Indian government to bring fugitive offenders back to the country. Minister Shah stated that the government is committed to dismantling drug cartels. Between 2019 and August 2026, 288 fugitives from 36 countries have been brought back to India, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
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Source: indianexpress.com
