Operation Highway: Major Drug Bust Unravels Trafficking Network in Uttar Pradesh

In a coordinated effort, Kaushambi police, along with the Anti-Narcotics Task Force and Excise Department, apprehended seven drug traffickers, seizing over 59 kg of ganja. The operation, stemming from a tip-off, led to the arrest of individuals allegedly distributing contraband across districts, with efforts ongoing to capture the main supplier.

A significant drug trafficking ring has been dismantled in Uttar Pradesh following the joint efforts of the Kaushambi police, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force, and the Excise Department.

On Wednesday, seven alleged traffickers were apprehended and over 59 kg of ganja, valued at Rs 15 lakh, was seized. This operation was prompted by a credible tip-off that guided authorities to a shop along National Highway (NH-2) in the Saini area. This strategic raid also led to the confiscation of two motorcycles, an electronic weighing scale, Rs 15,750 in cash, and six mobile phones.

The capture of suspects Sanjay Tripathi, Sandeep Kumar, Pankaj Vishwakarma, Ramkumar Sonkar, Rahul Yadav, Sunil Jaiswal, and Sunil Kumar Patel indicates a broader drug distribution network. Notably, the contraband was allegedly sourced by absconding suspect Pankaj Tripathi from Karari Dham and supplied for wider dispersal, extending into parts of Madhya Pradesh. The police have escalated efforts to locate and arrest Pankaj as investigations continue under the NDPS Act.

(With inputs from agencies.)