GUWAHATI: The Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) has seized 18.64 kg of crude heroin in two back-to-back operations near Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh. The contraband originated from the northeastern region and was being trafficked to Uttar Pradesh for consumption, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance.
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Three key members of an inter-state trafficking network have been arrested.
Acting on specific intelligence regarding the movement of drugs from the Northeast to Lucknow, the CBN established a strategic cordon along the Sultanpur–Lucknow Highway during the intervening night of August 20 and 21.
Following continuous tracking across multiple toll plazas, the CBN team intercepted an Assam-registered SUV near Lucknow on August 21.
“The vehicle was found empty and the occupants claimed innocence. Operational officers grew suspicious when the vehicle’s occupants on questioning disclosed to have refuelled four times within a span of just 500 km,” the statement said.
A physical tapping test of the fuel tank indicated a hollow acoustic anomaly.
At the CBN office in Lucknow, technical assistance was used to dismantle the fuel tank, revealing a specially fabricated compartment containing 25 waterproof packages with 16.46 kg of crude heroin.
In a separate operation, intelligence developed by the CBN Uttar Pradesh Unit indicated that a heavy truck was transporting contraband along the Siliguri–Lucknow corridor. CBN teams tracked the vehicle across multiple toll plazas before intercepting it near Barabanki.
A systematic physical search of the truck led to the recovery of 2.16 kg of crude heroin. One suspect was arrested.
All three suspects have been booked under provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Both transport vehicles and the entire contraband consignment have been confiscated.