Major Drug Bust on Prayagraj-Varanasi Highway
In a significant crackdown, sleuths from the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) apprehended a notorious drug peddler and confiscated a massive consignment of illegal cannabis on Tuesday. The operation, conducted near Gopiganj on the busy Prayagraj-Varanasi national highway, led to the recovery of 3.90 quintals of ganja with an estimated street value of a staggering Rs 2 crore.
Details of the Seizure and Arrest
The arrested individual has been identified as Sonu Pal, a resident of Etah. During the interception, authorities not only seized the huge quantity of narcotics but also recovered material evidence from his possession. The seized items include:
- 3.90 quintals (390 kilograms) of illegal ganja.
- One container used for storage and transport.
- One mobile phone.
- Cash amounting to Rs 2,160.
The police action was based on precise intelligence and a well-coordinated plan. Sonu Pal was reportedly caught red-handed while he was in the process of supplying the delivery to his contacts.
Criminal Past and Interstate Smuggling Link
During interrogation, the arrested peddler revealed details of his criminal background and network. Sonu Pal confessed to having been sent to prison in 2023 by the Dadri police on similar charges of drug peddling.
After his release, he allegedly came into contact with a key figure involved in smuggling ganja from Odisha into Uttar Pradesh. This connection provided him with the supply chain to restart his illegal activities. The latest consignment was part of this interstate smuggling operation, highlighting the persistent challenge of cross-border narcotics trafficking into the state.
The Anti-Narcotics Task Force is now delving deeper into the network. Investigators are analyzing the mobile phone records and financial transactions to identify and nab the other individuals involved, including the supplier from Odisha and potential local distributors in Uttar Pradesh.
This seizure underscores the continued vigilance of the Uttar Pradesh police against the narcotics trade. Major hauls on national highways point to the use of road transport for large-scale smuggling, and authorities have intensified checks to disrupt these supply routes.
