Lucknow: In a major crackdown on interstate narcotics trafficking, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has arrested four members of an organised gang allegedly smuggling cannabis from Odisha to the state capital and distributing it across multiple districts.
The arrests were made in Gomti Nagar Extension, where STF teams intercepted a truck and an escort vehicle near Shalimar Bundh following surveillance and specific intelligence inputs. Officers recovered 3.70 quintals of ganja valued at approximately ₹92.5 lakh, along with a truck, a Scorpio SUV, five mobile phones, a Wi-Fi dongle and cash.
Odisha’s Malkangiri Identified as Source
Investigations revealed that the contraband was sourced from Malkangiri district in Odisha and transported to Lucknow via Chhattisgarh. The gang reportedly used body-less trailer trucks equipped with concealed cavities built into the chassis platform. These hidden compartments enabled them to carry 5–8 quintals of cannabis per trip while evading routine highway checks.
Internet Calling to Avoid Surveillance
During interrogation, the accused disclosed that they adopted a calculated communication strategy to dodge law enforcement tracking. Once the consignment left Odisha, they switched off their regular mobile numbers and coordinated using internet-based calls through Wi-Fi networks, making it difficult for authorities to trace their movements.
Drivers were reportedly given dynamic route instructions and directed to specific halt points and unloading locations only after entering city limits.
15–20 Consignments Delivered Earlier
STF officials stated that the gang had already transported 15 to 20 consignments to Lucknow using a similar modus operandi. Upon arrival, an escort vehicle would guide the truck to pre-identified safe houses where the cannabis was unloaded and redistributed.
The racket allegedly supplied cannabis not only in Lucknow but also in Sitapur, Barabanki, Gonda and Bahraich, depending on demand. Dispatches were made after payment confirmation, and the proceeds were reportedly reinvested in purchasing additional vehicles to strengthen their logistics network.
NDPS Case Registered
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 legal provisions, including long prison terms and limited scope for bail.
Officials indicated that further arrests are likely as the STF expands its probe to identify source suppliers, transport handlers and local distributors, signaling a wider crackdown on the growing urban drug supply network.
