Delhi Man Arrested in Lucknow for Smuggling Rs 10.41 Crore Heroin from Nepal
A man from Delhi has been arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) for allegedly smuggling heroin valued at over Rs 10 crore into India from Kathmandu, Nepal. The arrest occurred during a midnight operation in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat cross-border narcotics trafficking.
Midnight Interception and Seizure Details
The accused was apprehended while traveling on a Kathmandu–Delhi bus, which was intercepted near the Indira Canal in Chinhat, Lucknow, around midnight on Friday. According to DRI officials, the team conducted a thorough search of the suspect's luggage, leading to the recovery of 5,209 grams of a white powder packed in four separate packets.
A field test conducted on the spot confirmed the substance to be heroin. The seized consignment is estimated to be worth approximately Rs 10.41 crore in the international market, underscoring the significant scale of the smuggling operation.
Investigation and Accused's Statement
During questioning, the accused claimed that this was his first attempt at smuggling and that he had been offered Rs 30,000 to transport the contraband. He further revealed to investigators that he is enrolled in a distance-learning course and was lured into the illegal operation, possibly due to financial pressures or deception.
The man has been booked under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Following his arrest, he was produced before a magistrate and subsequently remanded to judicial custody as legal proceedings begin.
Ongoing Probe and Network Identification
Further investigation is currently underway to identify and dismantle the broader network involved in this smuggling case. Authorities are focusing on tracing the origins of the heroin, the individuals who recruited the accused, and any potential links to larger criminal syndicates operating across borders.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges in curbing drug trafficking, with law enforcement agencies like the DRI intensifying surveillance and operations to intercept such illicit activities. The arrest in Lucknow marks a crucial step in disrupting narcotics supply chains and safeguarding communities from the harmful effects of drug abuse.
