In a significant breakthrough against the proliferation of illegal firearms, the Delhi Police on Friday announced that it had busted an interstate arms trafficking module operating across Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. The operation led to the arrest of four individuals and the recovery of eight pistols along with 30 live cartridges. According to officials, the network had been supplying weapons to criminals in the capital region, relying on sources in Aligarh and a chain of carriers to circulate the arms.

The investigation began on November 19 when police received a crucial tip-off about the movements of a known criminal, Babu alias Aslam. Previously involved in robbery, murder, and theft cases, Babu had reportedly returned to firearms trafficking after being released from custody in a 2024 weapons case. Intelligence inputs suggested that he planned to supply a firearm to an associate in the Model Town area, prompting the authorities to act swiftly.

A surveillance team was immediately deployed to track his movements. Later that day, an informer alerted the police that the suspect had been spotted near the North-X drain in Model Town. The police team rushed to the location, where Babu attempted to escape upon spotting them. He was quickly chased down and apprehended. Officers conducted a search and discovered two pistols and five live cartridges hidden in a pouch tied around his waist, confirming the intelligence they had received.

Following his arrest, Babu was interrogated, during which he disclosed the existence of a broader weapons supply network. He revealed that after his release, he had come into contact with a man named Santosh, who was supplying him with illegal firearms sourced from Aligarh, a well-known hub for the manufacture and trade of country-made weapons. Based on this crucial lead, police immediately moved to locate Santosh.

A police team was dispatched, and Santosh was apprehended soon after. A raid on his under-construction property proved highly productive. Officers recovered two sophisticated pistols, three country-made pistols, and 25 live cartridges. This substantial seizure not only confirmed his involvement in the illegal trade but also indicated his central role in coordinating weapon supplies to multiple carriers across Delhi.

As the investigation widened, the police uncovered yet another link in the supply chain. The third accused, Mohd Bilal, already lodged in jail for a separate attempt-to-murder case and another Arms Act violation, was found to have deep connections to the group. His involvement surfaced during sustained interrogation of the other accused. Bilal provided information that allowed police to identify the primary supplier behind the entire operation.

Acting on his disclosure, police tracked down the alleged supplier, Azeem, in Greater Noida. A coordinated team moved in to arrest him, and a pistol was recovered from his possession during the operation. With his arrest, the police believe they have apprehended one of the key figures responsible for sourcing weapons from Aligarh and ensuring their distribution into Delhi through a layered network.

An investigating officer noted that the group’s operations were carefully structured. Weapons were procured in bulk from illegal manufacturers in Aligarh, transported discreetly across state borders, and then distributed to various criminal elements through intermediaries. Carriers such as Babu were responsible for delivering firearms to clients while keeping their routes and suppliers hidden.

“The module operated across state borders, with weapons sourced from Aligarh and distributed through a network of carriers in Delhi. Further investigation is underway,” the officer said, emphasizing that the police are now working to trace additional individuals who may be connected to the network, as well as other potential sources of illegal firearms in the region.

The seizure of eight pistols and 30 cartridges is being seen as a major blow to criminal groups reliant on such weapons. Police officials highlighted that curbing the flow of illegal arms is crucial for reducing violent crimes, especially those involving gangs or repeat offenders. The arrests have not only disrupted an active supply chain but may also lead to more high-level arrests as the investigation progresses.

The incident underscores the ongoing challenge faced by law enforcement agencies in countering illegal arms trafficking networks that exploit interstate routes and unregulated arms markets. As the probe continues, police are likely to examine financial trails, past criminal records of the involved suspects, and connections with known gangs in the National Capital Region.

With multiple arrests already made and a significant cache of weapons seized, authorities believe they are closing in on dismantling the full extent of the trafficking module. Further revelations are expected as officials continue questioning the accused and examining the details of the network’s logistics, operations, and clientele.