Kushinagar — In a major breakthrough against inter-state drug trafficking, the Special Task Force (STF) of Uttar Pradesh has arrested three members of a notorious smuggling syndicate and seized 120.260 kilograms of illegal ganja (cannabis) with an estimated international market value of ₹60 lakh.
Arrested Accused Identified
The arrested individuals have been identified as:
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Ajay Yadav, son of Ram Badan Yadav, resident of Badgaon, Ghosi Police Station, Mau district
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Vipin Kumar Pal, son of Darshan Singh, resident of Bharthana Chauraha, Gali No. 5, Ashok Nagar, Etawah district
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Suhail Khan, son of Pappu Khan, resident of Old Bus Stand, Etawah district
Seizure Details
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120.260 kg of illegal ganja (estimated international value: ₹60 lakh)
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Two Aadhaar cards
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One container truck (registration number HR-55 AK 1767)
Modus Operandi and Capture
The STF had been receiving intelligence over the past few weeks regarding active inter-state drug smuggling networks operating in and around Uttar Pradesh. Acting on a concrete tip-off received on April 13, 2025, that a container truck from Guwahati was en route to Kushinagar carrying a large quantity of illegal ganja, STF teams sprang into action.
In a swift joint operation with the local police, the STF intercepted the suspicious container near the Swastik Dhaba at Abhinayakpur. Upon inspection, a massive quantity of ganja was recovered and the three suspects were taken into custody.
Confessions and Investigations
During initial interrogation:
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Ajay Yadav revealed he was sent to Guwahati by a man named Sandeep Yadav from Mau, who promised him ₹15,000 for bringing back the ganja-laden truck.
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Vipin Kumar Pal, the driver, confessed to transporting the consignment from Guwahati to Mau for a promised sum of ₹50,000.
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Suhail Khan, the truck conductor, admitted he was part of the smuggling operation in exchange for payment.
Efforts are ongoing to trace and arrest Sandeep Yadav, believed to be the key handler in the racket.
Legal Action Initiated
A case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at the Kasaya Police Station, Kushinagar. Further legal proceedings and detailed investigations are being carried out by the local police.
This operation marks another significant milestone in Uttar Pradesh STF’s crackdown on narcotics and organized crime across state borders.
