The premiere episode of "Dabba Cartel" kicks off with a harrowing accident in Amritsar, triggered by a woman who nodded off behind the wheel. The police arrived at the scene to uncover a substance known as Modella scattered around. A couple of days hence, at the annual general meeting of VivaLife Pharma Company, the CEO, Shankar, was abruptly interrupted by a call inquiring about this mysterious drug. Without missing a beat, he dispatched a text to the pivotal shareholders and precipitately exited the meeting to convene an urgent, confidential session.
The accident garnered widespread attention on the evening news, where the anchor reported that the Food and Drug Safety Control Organization (FDSCO) had initiated an investigation into all major pharmaceutical companies licensed to produce fontanel. Preliminary probes into the incident hinted that the accident might have been a result of a Modella overdose. It transpired that fontanel was the cornerstone ingredient in Modella, an opioid banned in India.
Elsewhere, Raji and Mala operated a seemingly unremarkable food delivery service, but in reality, they clandestinely peddled a magical powder. Mala, sensing an opportunity for expansion due to their recent surge in clientele, proposed branching out beyond the VivaLife society. She suggested leveraging her boyfriend, Santosh, to tap into new markets in neighboring towns. However, Raji was dismayed that Mala had confided in Santosh about their side hustle, as she had kept it concealed from her husband, Hari.
At this juncture, Mala received a call from Varuna, her supervisor and the spouse of VivaLife Pharma's CEO. The call necessitated her immediate presence at work, lest she face termination. Meanwhile, Shankar was engrossed in phone conversations, orchestrating a meeting to address the Modella fiasco. When Varuna offered to assist, he politely but firmly declined her offer.
At VivaLife, Hari attempts to charm his manager with persuasive words about securing a transfer opportunity to Germany. The manager responds by revealing a lengthy waiting list, hinting that if Hari wishes to bypass the queue, he must endeavor to impress Shankar, the Chief Executive Officer. With Shankar's endorsement, the manager could effortlessly elevate Hari's application to the top.
Just then, the FDSCO representative arrives at VivaLife. Pathak grills Shankar about VivaLife's export of Stravinol to the American market. Shankar replies nonchalantly that the company ceased manufacturing Stravinol in 2021 due to changing FDA regulations. Pathak demands to see the batch codes, but his assistant informs him that the company lost all pertinent information in a cyberattack. Pathak then insists on meeting with the logistics team, but they are occupied with managing the aftermath of the cyber incident. As Shankar decides to wait for the logistics team, Pathak corners him relentlessly.
Hari gathers from his colleagues that the FDSCO is unwavering in its pursuit to uncover the manufacturer of Modella. This time, the Supreme Court is overseeing the investigation, casting a shadow of doom over VivaLife. If the FDSCO discovers any discrepancies, the company could face closure. His colleagues jestingly advise Hari to start updating his resume rather than fixating on a transfer to Germany. Just as the logistics team joins the investigative meeting, the fire alarm blares throughout the company, prompting everyone to evacuate. Before departing, Pathak informs Shankar that he will return the next day.
Unbeknownst to others, Hari had triggered the smoke detectors by burning some papers. Upon discovering his deeds, Shankar commends him for recognizing how to seize an opportunity. Thrilled, Hari shares the news of a potential transfer to Germany with Raji. However, Raji receives mixed news as the security guard hands them a notice prohibiting any commercial activities within the VivaLife society premises.
Mala and Raji ventured into a real estate agency in search of a suitable space for their burgeoning business. However, their hopes were dashed when the haughty realtor, upon discovering their intentions, subjected them to insulting remarks. Mala, unable to contain her anger, stormed out in a fit of rage. Shahida, a junior agent, sensing an opportunity, chased after them. She presented an affordable, albeit run-down, location that was within their financial reach. Despite its shabbiness, Mala and Raji, desperate for a space, agreed to the deal.
The next day, Pathak, accompanied by Preeti, a diligent police officer, arrived at VivaLife to resume their investigation. Shankar, less than cooperative, assigned Pathak a barren room devoid of chairs or tables for his interrogations. He repeatedly interrupted the proceedings, citing urgent managerial meetings. Coincidentally, all members of the logistics team had conveniently fallen ill on the same day. Nevertheless, Pathak managed to uncover a clue - an employee badge numbered E475.
Meanwhile, Santosh, malevolent as ever, telephoned Mala at work. He proposed a lucrative, yet illegal, venture: using her food delivery business as a cover to distribute marijuana to his clientele, offering her a 5% cut of the profits. Mala, revolted by the idea, firmly declined. Undeterred, Santosh resorted to blackmail, wielding an erotic video of Mala as leverage. Cornered, Mala reluctantly agreed, secretly incorporating the weed into her deliveries, keeping Raji in the dark.
Elsewhere, Pathak and Preeti unwound over drinks, where Pathak recounted the case details to Preeti. She suggested that Pathak travel to Amritsar, the scene of the accident, to gather more intelligence. Preeti, meantime, pledged to keep a vigilant eye on VivaLife. An altercation between Mala and Tijori, the head of VivaLife's employee society, serendipitously provided Preeti with an excuse to visit the VivaLife premises.
As the episode drew to a close, Shahida's supervisor instructed her to show the room that she had discreetly rented to Mala and Raji to potential new tenants. In a rush to prepare the room, Mala inadvertently left a bag of marijuana in one of the drawers. Shahida, upon discovering it, was livid, believing that they had abused the trust she had placed in them by using the space for illicit activities. Raji, clueless about the marijuana, called Mala in a panic.
