CBI extradites red notice fugitive Prabhdeep Singh from Azerbaijan

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), and Delhi Police, has successfully secured the extradition of the Red Notice subject, Prabhdeep Singh, from Azerbaijan to India.

A three-member escort team from Delhi Police brought him back to the capital on Wednesday morning. This is a significant success for India’s anti-narcotics efforts in extraditing fugitive Prabhdeep Singh, described as the main organiser of a large-scale narcotics trafficking syndicate from Azerbaijan.

Prabhdeep was wanted in connection with a case registered at Delhi Police’s Special Cell Police Station under various provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The investigation into the racket had earlier led to the recovery of a substantial quantity of narcotic substances and the arrest of several co-accused persons. Officials identified Singh as the key conspirator and primary organiser who allegedly ran the entire narcotics network.

According to the CBI, Prabhdeep had fled India after the case came to light. At the request of the Delhi Police, the CBI secured an Interpol Red Notice against him. Through sustained international coordination and intelligence sharing, Azerbaijani authorities geo-located and arrested him in Baku.

Following formal extradition proceedings via diplomatic channels involving the Ministries of Home Affairs and External Affairs, Azerbaijan handed him over to Indian authorities after completing all legal formalities.  A CBI spokesperson said, “In the said case, a substantial quantity of narcotic substance was recovered, and several co-accused persons were arrested. The subject was the main organiser of this narcotics racket.” The agency emphasised that the operation was a coordinated effort by the CBI, Delhi Police, MEA, and MHA, highlighting India’s growing success in bringing fugitives back through Interpol and bilateral cooperation. Officials noted that over 160 wanted criminals have been repatriated in recent years under similar initiatives.

Prabhdeep Singh’s criminal involvement centres on his alleged role as the mastermind behind an international narcotics syndicate operating out of Delhi. While exact details of the drug quantity, specific substances involved, or the timeline of the original raids remain limited in public statements, police sources have consistently portrayed him as the central figure who orchestrated the supply, distribution, and financial operations of the racket.

Several lower-level operatives linked to the syndicate were arrested during the initial probe, but Singh evaded capture by fleeing abroad. Upon arrival in Delhi, Prabhdeep was taken into custody for further legal proceedings. His extradition is being seen as a major blow to organised drug syndicates that exploit international routes to evade Indian law enforcement.

This case underscores the growing effectiveness of India’s use of Interpol Red Notices and diplomatic extradition channels, particularly in narcotics-related cases that threaten public health and national security. Meanwhile, investigations into the broader illicit network of drug peddlers are ongoing, Special Cell sources said.