In a major crackdown on interstate drug trafficking, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has arrested four members of an organised gang that was bringing cannabis from Odisha to the state capital and distributing it across several districts. The arrests were made in Gomti Nagar Extension, where officers recovered 3.70 quintals of ganja worth about ₹92.5 lakh, a truck, a Scorpio SUV, five mobile phones, a Wi-Fi dongle and cash.
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Consignment sourced from Odisha’s Malkangiri
According to STF inputs, the network sourced cannabis from Malkangiri in Odisha, transporting it to Lucknow via Chhattisgarh. The gang used body-less trailer trucks fitted with concealed cavities built into the chassis platform, allowing them to hide 5–8 quintals per trip and avoid detection during routine checks.
Acting on surveillance and informer inputs, STF teams intercepted a truck and an escort vehicle near Shalimar Bundh and apprehended the four accused on the spot.
Internet calling to dodge police surveillance
Interrogation revealed a deliberate communication strategy to evade law-enforcement tracking. Once the consignment left Odisha, the accused switched off their regular mobile numbers and coordinated movements through internet-based calls, making location tracing difficult. Drivers received route instructions dynamically and were told where to halt and offload.
15–20 consignments delivered earlier
Investigators said the gang had already transported 15–20 consignments to Lucknow in a similar manner. Upon entering city limits, an escort vehicle would lead the truck to pre-identified safe houses where the contraband was unloaded and redistributed.
Distribution across multiple districts
The racket supplied cannabis not only in Lucknow but also in Sitapur, Barabanki, Gonda and Bahraich, depending on demand. Dispatches were made only after payment confirmation. Proceeds from the illegal trade were allegedly used to purchase additional vehicles, including a small commercial carrier and a car, to support logistics.
Wider network under scanner
The arrested accused have disclosed names of other associates who are currently absconding. STF teams are conducting follow-up raids to identify the source suppliers, transport handlers, local distributors and retail peddlers, indicating a layered supply chain rather than a small standalone operation.
NDPS case registered; strict charges invoked
A case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at Gomti Nagar Extension police station. Given the commercial quantity involved, the accused face stringent provisions that carry long prison terms and limited bail scope.
Rising concern over urban drug supply
The bust comes amid a series of recent seizures in Lucknow, including cases involving supply to schools, colleges, clubs and bars, raising concerns among enforcement agencies about a growing urban drug distribution ecosystem. STF and the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) have intensified monitoring from source zones to last-mile delivery networks.
Further arrests are likely as the investigation continues.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
