In a major offensive against the illegal drug trade, Lucknow Police conducted their largest coordinated raid to date on Monday, targeting narcotics sales across the capital. Acting simultaneously across five zones, police teams raided 30 identified locations, resulting in the arrest of six individuals and the seizure of a significant quantity of illegal cannabis (ganja) and cash.

Operation Details And Strategy

The crackdown was initiated following continuous public complaints received by the Police Commissioner regarding drug peddling.

Coordination: Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Babloo Kumar stated that the operation involved joint teams from the Anti-Narcotics Task Force, SWAT, and local police stations.

Execution: Under the leadership of Additional Deputy Commissioners of Police (ADCPs) and Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs), separate teams were formed to conduct simultaneous raids at 30 sensitive locations.

Key Locations: Targeted areas included Bharwara Crossing, Fun Mall, Madiyanv Bridge, and Singapore Mall.

Arrests And Seizures

Cases have been registered at four different police stations following the arrests. The details of the accused and recoveries are as follows:

Madiyanv: The largest single seizure occurred here, where Chetan Sharma was arrested under the Naubasta overbridge with 2.173 kg of cannabis.

Vibhuti khand: Three accused—Sumit Tiwari, Sonu Modi, and Golu Modi—were apprehended from an alley near the SEBI Ground Hotel. Police recovered 1.850 kg of cannabis from their possession.

Gomtinagar: Rakesh Sharma (alias Lambu) was arrested under the Shaheed Path bridge in Vinay Khand-5 with 1.140 kg of cannabis.

Indiranagar (Bhootnath): Rashid was caught near the Bhootnath vegetable market possessing 515 grams of cannabis.

Also Read: CM Yogi Adityanath To Visit Gorakhpur Tomorrow; Inspect Pipraich Four-Lane Road, Night Shelters

Investigation And Surveillance

Beyond the immediate arrests, the operation has cast a wide net over the local drug network.

Suspects Identified: More than 100 suspects were identified during the raids. While they were released due to a lack of immediate recovery of contraband, they have been placed under active surveillance.

Background Checks: Police are thoroughly investigating the criminal histories of these suspects and the broader network connected to them. Officials warned that arrests will follow if any incriminating evidence surfaces.

Official Stance

Police Commissioner Amarendra Kumar Sengar asserted a zero-tolerance policy towards the consumption and sale of narcotics in the city. Officials confirmed that this campaign will continue with the objective of dismantling the entire drug trade network in Lucknow.

Also Read: KGMU And IIT Kanpur Develop Wearable Device For Early Breast Cancer Detection; Patent Granted