Major Drug Bust in Kumaon: Police Seize Smack Worth Rs 3 Crore, Arrest Trafficker
In a significant operation that has dealt a blow to narcotics supply chains in the Kumaon region, police successfully intercepted a major drug trafficking attempt on Friday night. The coordinated action led to the arrest of an inter-district drug trafficker and the seizure of over 1 kilogram of smack, with an estimated global market value of approximately Rs 3 crore.
Joint Operation Leads to Arrest on Birungla-Darau Road
The breakthrough came during a routine check conducted by a joint team comprising officers from the Kichha police station and the Special Task Force/Anti-Narcotics Task Force (STF/ANTF) Kumaon unit. The operation was carried out on the Birungla-Darau Road in Rudrapur, where authorities stopped a motorcycle rider for inspection.
The rider, identified as 35-year-old Sahnawaz, a resident of Baheri in Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly district, was found to be in possession of the substantial quantity of smack. The contraband was carefully concealed, but thorough police work uncovered the illegal narcotics during the check.
Drug Supply Chain Uncovered During Interrogation
During subsequent interrogation, the accused revealed crucial details about the drug supply network operating across district boundaries. Sahnawaz confessed that the seized smack had been sourced from Baheri and was intended for delivery to a receiver in Sitarganj.
From Sitarganj, the narcotics were scheduled to be distributed across various parts of Kumaon districts, potentially flooding local markets with dangerous substances. This revelation highlights the inter-district nature of the drug trafficking operation that police have successfully disrupted.
Police Prevent Major Narcotics Distribution
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Manikant Mishra emphasized the importance of this seizure, stating that it had prevented a large quantity of narcotics from reaching local markets. The timely intervention has potentially saved numerous individuals from addiction and related social problems that typically accompany widespread drug availability.
The police action represents a significant victory in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in the region, demonstrating effective coordination between different law enforcement units.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
A formal case has been registered at the Kichha police station under Sections 8, 21, and 60 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. These sections pertain to various offenses related to the production, manufacture, possession, sale, purchase, transport, and use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
The accused will be produced before the appropriate court to face legal proceedings. Meanwhile, investigation continues as authorities work to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in this drug trafficking network. Police are particularly focused on uncovering the entire supply chain, from source to distribution points.
This operation underscores the commitment of Uttarakhand police to combat the menace of drug trafficking that threatens the social fabric of the Kumaon region. The successful seizure and arrest send a strong message to those involved in illegal narcotics trade about the consequences they face from vigilant law enforcement.
