Bareilly (Uttar Pradesh): The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), in a joint operation with Shahi Police, arrested four accused with 498 kilograms of acetic anhydride, a restricted precursor chemical used in the illicit manufacture of narcotic drugs. Preliminary investigation suggests that the chemical was allegedly transported from Mewat in Haryana and was intended to be supplied to West Bengal through Badaun. A case has been registered under the relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and all four accused have been sent to judicial custody.
Four Accused from Badaun and Amroha Arrested
The arrested accused have been identified as Wasid, a resident of Nadayal village in Sahaswan area of Badaun district; Jogesh Singh, a resident of Chak Mustafapur village under Mandi Dhanaura police station in Amroha; Tejpal Singh, a resident of Hatua village under Didauli police station; and Arun Kumar, a resident of Jatav Colony, Joya, also under Didauli police station in Amroha district.
During the operation, police seized 498 kg of acetic anhydride, two vehicles, five mobile phones and ₹1,080 in cash. The seized chemical has been taken into custody for forensic examination and further legal proceedings.
Chemical Allegedly Used in Heroin Production
Investigators said acetic anhydride is a regulated precursor chemical that is illegally used in processing morphine extracted from opium into heroin. Possession, transportation or trade of the chemical without the required licence constitutes an offence under the NDPS Act.
Police believe the large quantity recovered indicates that it was allegedly meant for use in an organised narcotics trafficking network.
Consignment Allegedly Procured from Mewat
According to the investigation, the accused allegedly travelled to Mewat in Haryana to procure the restricted chemical. Jogesh Singh and Wasid reportedly travelled by car, while Arun Kumar and Tejpal Singh used a pickup vehicle. The chemical was allegedly collected from a supplier in Mewat and loaded into the pickup before being transported to Uttar Pradesh.
Investigators further alleged that the consignment was to be delivered to a person in Badaun, who would then arrange its onward supply to a major trafficker in West Bengal. The accused allegedly planned to share the profits earned from the illegal trade.
Probe Expands into Wider Trafficking Network
The investigation has also revealed that Jogesh Singh had previously been arrested in a similar case. Authorities are now trying to identify other individuals linked to the network, trace the source of the restricted chemical and determine its intended end users.
Police are examining the seized mobile phones, vehicles, call records, digital evidence and financial transactions to establish the network’s operational chain. Investigators are also probing possible links between traffickers operating across Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
Officials believe the operation could help uncover a larger interstate network involved in the illegal manufacture of heroin and trafficking of precursor chemicals. Further arrests and legal action are expected as the investigation progresses.
