Major Drug Bust in Uttar Pradesh: ANTF Arrests 7, Seizes Contraband Worth Rs 3 Crore
In a significant blow to narcotics trafficking, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) has conducted coordinated operations resulting in the arrest of seven drug traffickers and the seizure of contraband valued at approximately Rs 3 crore in the international market. This large-scale action is part of the state government's intensified drive to make Uttar Pradesh drug-free, following directives issued by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Coordinated Operations Across Multiple Districts
The operations were executed on February 11 under the guidance of the additional director general of police (crime) in Lucknow and under the supervision of the Inspector General of ANTF, Lucknow. Multiple ANTF units, including the ANTF Police Station Saharanpur, ANTF Unit Bareilly, and ANTF Operational Unit Agra, carried out simultaneous actions across different districts, leading to the arrests in four separate cases.
Details of the Seized Contraband
The seized narcotics included a substantial quantity of illegal substances:
- 7.140 Kg of illegal opium
- 514.745 Kg of illegal cannabis (ganja)
The estimated international value of these seized items is about Rs 3 crore, highlighting the scale of the drug trade disrupted by this operation.
Breakdown of Arrests and Recoveries
The ANTF provided detailed accounts of the individual cases:
- Saharanpur Operation: On February 11, ANTF Saharanpur arrested three traffickers near the police outpost Mau Khas under Mundali Police Station in Meerut district. The recovery included 3.140 Kg of illegal opium (estimated value Rs 16 lakh), one motorcycle, three mobile phones, and Rs 900 in cash. The arrested individuals were identified as Vijendra, Khunnilal, and Mansingh.
- Bareilly Operation: ANTF Bareilly arrested one trafficker, Virendra, from the Subhashnagar Police Station area. Seized items included 4 Kg of illegal opium (estimated value Rs 20 lakh), one mobile phone, and Rs 3,400 in cash.
- Agra-Aligarh Joint Operation: A joint team of ANTF Operational Unit Agra and Aligarh district police arrested Pushpendra on February 12 from the Iglas Police Station area in Aligarh. The team recovered 490.745 Kg of illegal cannabis valued at approximately Rs 2.50 crore, along with one tractor, one car, three motorcycles, and one mobile phone.
- Agra Operation: The Operational Unit of Agra arrested two traffickers, Manoj Kumar and Zakir, from the Trans-Yamuna Police Station area in Agra Commissionerate. Police recovered 24 Kg of illegal cannabis (estimated value Rs 12 lakh), two Android mobile phones, and Rs 600 in cash.
Impact and Ongoing Efforts
This coordinated crackdown underscores the Uttar Pradesh government's commitment to combating drug trafficking and creating a safer environment. The ANTF's multi-unit approach demonstrates effective law enforcement strategies in tackling organized crime networks. Authorities continue to monitor and act against such illegal activities as part of the broader initiative to eradicate narcotics from the state.
