Kanpur: Police have made a major breakthrough against narcotics trafficking in Kanpur by seizing charas allegedly smuggled into the city from Nepal, with an estimated value of ₹15 crore. In a joint operation by the Fazalganj police and surveillance team, a large quantity of charas was recovered from a white Alto car, leading to the arrest of two alleged smugglers. The arrested suspects have been identified as Asmit Gautam, a resident of Yashoda Nagar, and Ayush Tiwari, a resident of Lal Bangla. According to police, the seized narcotics were allegedly meant to be supplied to several cities in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and other states.
The two suspects were intercepted during a checking operation near Dada Nagar Dhala. Police stopped the suspicious vehicle and searched it, following which a large quantity of charas was allegedly recovered from inside. Both occupants were taken into custody and questioned about the source of the narcotics, their intended recipients and the wider network allegedly operating behind the supply chain.
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Alto intercepted during police checking
According to police, a checking drive was underway near Dada Nagar Dhala when the white Alto came under suspicion. During the search, officers allegedly found a substantial quantity of charas inside the vehicle. The estimated value of the seized narcotics has been put at around ₹15 crore.
Following the arrests, investigators began examining whether Asmit and Ayush were directly involved in the trafficking operation or were allegedly working as couriers for a larger syndicate. Police are also trying to establish how the narcotics allegedly entered Kanpur from Nepal and identify the persons responsible for transporting and distributing the consignment.
Brother’s previous arrest led investigators to Asmit
The investigation has also brought Asmit’s elder brother Navit Gautam under scrutiny. According to police, Navit had allegedly been involved in charas trafficking for several years. Around six months ago, he was arrested in Rajasthan’s Sirohi district with 20 kg of charas.
Following Navit’s arrest, investigators examining his alleged network reportedly obtained information about other individuals connected with the operation. Asmit’s alleged involvement subsequently came under scrutiny. Police are now examining the communication, financial transactions and contacts between the two brothers to determine their respective roles in the suspected trafficking network.
Grand wedding after release on parole
Police said Navit was released on parole from Sirohi jail around two months ago. During this period, he allegedly organised an elaborate wedding at a prominent hotel and spent lakhs of rupees on the event.
Investigators are now collecting information about the people who attended the wedding. They are examining whether individuals allegedly associated with the narcotics trade or other members of the suspected network were present. The source of the money spent on the wedding and the financial links among attendees may also form part of the investigation.
Properties and bank accounts under scrutiny
According to police, Navit had allegedly been involved in charas trafficking for the past two to three years. During this period, he is suspected of purchasing houses and land in Kanpur and other cities. Investigators are now examining the source of funds used to acquire these properties and whether they were allegedly financed through proceeds from narcotics trafficking.
Police have also found information about loans of around ₹2 crore to ₹3 crore allegedly running in Asmit’s name with private banks. Investigators are examining his bank accounts, loan records, property transactions and other financial details to establish the flow of money and determine whether any funds were linked to the alleged drug trade.
Alleged supply network spread across several states
During questioning, the suspects allegedly disclosed that charas brought from Nepal was transported through trains and subsequently distributed to different parts of the country. According to police, cities allegedly connected to the supply network include Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Raipur, JP Nagar, Nagpur, Mumbai, Nashik, Valsad and Pune.
Investigators are now working to establish the complete chain from the alleged source of the narcotics to transporters, suppliers and buyers. Police are also examining the suspects’ mobile phones and other digital evidence to identify additional associates and possible handlers. If further evidence establishes the involvement of other people in the suspected trafficking network, police said action would be taken against them as well.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
