Five Members of Inter-State Cannabis Smuggling Gang Arrested in Lucknow; Premium Organic Ganja Worth ₹2.76 Crore Seized
Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Police achieved a major breakthrough after the Hussainganj Police team arrested five alleged members of an inter-state narcotics trafficking syndicate involved in the illegal trade of premium-quality organic cannabis.
According to police officials, the accused were arrested during a late-night checking operation near Bal Vidya Mandir in the Charbagh area under the jurisdiction of Husainganj police station. Authorities recovered 2.7 kilograms of premium organic ganja and 5 kilograms of cannabis, with an estimated international market value of approximately ₹2.76 crore.
Police also seized eight mobile phones and a Scorpio SUV bearing registration number UP53 FA 1818, allegedly used in the smuggling operation.
Arrested Accused Identified
The arrested accused have been identified as:
- Priyanshu Tiwari, resident of Gorakhpur district
- Rahul Sharma, resident of Gorakhpur district
- Brijesh Rathore, resident of Mehsana district in Gujarat
- Ravikant Tripathi, originally from Gorakhpur and presently residing in Kolkata
- Deepak Tyagi, resident of Gorakhpur district
Police said the arrests were made under an ongoing campaign launched on the directions of the Lucknow Police Commissioner and Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime and Headquarters) to crack down on organized crime and wanted criminals.
How the Gang Operated
Investigators revealed that the gang had allegedly developed an international supply chain linked to Thailand. During interrogation, police learned that accused Ravikant Tripathi had been staying in Bangkok and had recently travelled to Lucknow by flight on May 4.
According to the police, Ravikant coordinated the smuggling network and allegedly handed over the contraband to co-accused Brijesh Rathore in Bangkok. Brijesh then reportedly transported the cannabis to Lucknow via an international flight on May 5.
Police further stated that Priyanshu Tiwari was called from Gorakhpur along with the Scorpio vehicle to facilitate transportation, while Rahul Sharma was responsible for coordinating the pickup outside the airport.
The gang allegedly planned to send the cannabis consignment to Delhi through accused Deepak Tyagi, who was tasked with selling it in retail quantities. However, before the operation could be completed, the suspects were intercepted during routine vehicle checking by the Hussainganj Police team.
Dramatic Interception During Vehicle Check
Police officials said the Scorpio attempted to turn back after spotting a police checking barrier near Ravindralaya, raising suspicion among officers. The vehicle was immediately surrounded from both sides and stopped on the spot.
Upon searching the vehicle and its occupants, police recovered the narcotics consignment and electronic devices.
Case Registered Under NDPS Act
A case has been registered at Hussainganj Police Station under relevant sections of the NDPS Act. Police said further legal proceedings are underway and efforts are being made to gather information regarding the criminal history and wider network of the accused across different states.
Police Team Involved
The successful operation was led by Station House Officer Shivmangal Singh along with Sub-Inspectors Gaurav Singh and Sandeep Tiwari, supported by constables Ajay Kumar, Mohan Singh, and Balkesh.
