Bareilly: The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has arrested an alleged narcotics trafficker and seized two kilograms of illegal opium with an estimated international market value of approximately ₹25 lakh during a special operation in Bareilly district.
According to officials, the STF Field Unit in Bareilly was acting on intelligence inputs regarding the movement of illegal narcotic substances across various districts of Uttar Pradesh. Based on specific information, a surveillance and interception operation was launched under the supervision of senior STF officers.
Arrest Near Toll Plaza
The accused, identified as Rajesh Kumar, a resident of Bareilly, was apprehended near the Rithaura Toll Plaza on the Bareilly–Pilibhit route on Sunday afternoon. During the operation, STF personnel recovered approximately two kilograms of suspected opium from his possession.
Officials also seized an auto-rickshaw allegedly used in the transportation of the contraband, along with a mobile phone, an ATM card, and an Aadhaar card.
Investigation Reveals Alleged Smuggling Network
During preliminary questioning, the accused allegedly disclosed that he procured the narcotic substance from Jharkhand and supplied it in parts of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Investigators suspect that the illegal trade was being carried out for financial gain and that the seized vehicle was being used to transport and distribute the contraband.
Case Registered
Following the arrest, a case has been registered at Hafizganj Police Station in Bareilly under relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Motor Vehicles Act.
Officials stated that further legal proceedings and investigation are being carried out to identify possible links in the alleged smuggling network and trace the source and distribution channels of the seized narcotics.
The STF reiterated its commitment to combating drug trafficking and strengthening enforcement efforts against organized narcotics networks operating in the state.
