Noida Police apprehended two drug smugglers in separate incidents on Thursday, recovering a total of 74 kg of illegal cannabis intended for distribution in Noida and the wider National Capital Region (NCR). Police are currently searching for the accomplices of the accused.
Major Haul At Jhundpura Border
In the first incident, personnel from the Phase-1 police station arrested a smuggler at the Jhundpura border during a routine checking drive on Thursday night. DCP Noida, Yamuna Prasad, stated that officers intercepted an e-rickshaw and, upon searching the vehicle, recovered 64 kg of the "Golden Mirchi" variety of cannabis, valued at approximately Rs 1,500,000, along with the vehicle.
The accused has been identified as Nitai Sarkar, alias "Chupa Bangali." Originally from Azadpur village in South Dinajpur, Bengal, he currently resides in Chhalera village, Sector-44, Noida.
Modus Operandi And Criminal History
Interrogation revealed that Sarkar transports this specific "Golden Mirchi" variety of cannabis from Bengal to Delhi via train. To evade detection during transit, he packages the contraband in small 5-kilogram packets wrapped in black tape. Once the consignment reaches the region, he utilises a stolen e-rickshaw for local distribution.
Sarkar is a repeat offender with seven cases registered against him under the NDPS Act at various police stations in Delhi and Noida. He has been jailed multiple times previously but resumes smuggling activities upon his release.
Arrest By Sector-24 Police
In a separate operation on Thursday, Sector-24 police acted on a tip-off and arrested a smuggler near the embankment of a drain within the station's jurisdiction. The police recovered 10 kg of illegal cannabis from his possession.
The accused has been identified as Mohammed Imran, who also operates under the aliases Shahrukh, Murad, or Dilla. He is a resident of Shaheed Nagar in Ghaziabad. During questioning, Imran disclosed that he purchases cannabis at low prices and sells it to passers-by to generate a profit.
He has a significant criminal record, with 22 cases registered against him across the NCR, including charges of theft and violations of the NDPS Act.