In a major crackdown on interstate narcotics trafficking, law enforcement agencies have seized 439 kilograms of cannabis valued at approximately ₹1.10 crore and arrested an alleged drug courier during a joint operation near Mirzapur. The contraband, allegedly being transported from Odisha to Prayagraj, was concealed beneath empty plastic crates inside a DCM vehicle in an apparent attempt to evade detection. Investigators believe the seizure has exposed a larger interstate trafficking network operating across multiple states.
The accused, identified as Amarjeet Yadav alias Pahalwan, a resident of Gorakhpur district, was apprehended during a joint operation conducted near the Pachokhara–Kasopur tri-junction in the Marihan area. During the search of the vehicle, officials recovered bags containing cannabis hidden underneath stacks of empty plastic crates. The DCM driver was also taken into custody for questioning, while mobile phones and cash were seized during the operation.
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According to investigators, the cannabis consignment originated from Odisha and was being transported to Prayagraj. The concealment method suggests an organised effort to bypass routine vehicle inspections and law enforcement checks during interstate transit. Authorities are now examining the logistics, transportation route and communication records associated with the shipment.
During interrogation, the accused allegedly disclosed that he had travelled to Rayagada in Odisha on the instructions of Abhishek Shukla alias Guruji, a resident of Prayagraj, to collect the consignment. He further claimed that the narcotics were intended to be delivered directly to the same individual in Prayagraj. Investigators are verifying these disclosures and attempting to establish the identities and roles of other suspected members of the network.
The accused also allegedly stated that Rajat Singh of Ghazipur and Shubham Singh of Rayagada had assisted in loading the cannabis into the vehicle before its onward journey. He further claimed that he was paid ₹1 lakh for successfully delivering each consignment and had transported similar consignments on multiple occasions, indicating his alleged long-term association with the trafficking syndicate.
Investigators believe the seizure may be linked to a well-organised interstate supply chain involving procurement, transportation and distribution of narcotics across state borders. Authorities are analysing mobile phone data, financial transactions, travel patterns and digital communication records to identify additional operatives, transport facilitators, financiers and end recipients connected to the alleged network.
Police have registered a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and launched a wider investigation to trace the alleged supplier in Prayagraj, the vehicle owner and other absconding members of the syndicate. Further raids and arrests are expected as investigators continue to gather evidence and map the complete trafficking network.
Authorities said the investigation remains in progress, and additional legal action will be taken based on evidence collected during the ongoing probe.
