In a notable achievement for the Uttar Pradesh government’s relentless battle against drug trafficking, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), established under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has taken decisive action. Over the past two and a half years, the ANTF has initiated 110 cases and apprehended 293 suspects.
The Chief Minister’s office released a statement detailing the ANTF’s efforts, indicating the seizure of approximately 11,992.99 kilograms of illicit substances valued at Rs 91 crore 62 lakh 75 thousand 500 from the possession of drug traffickers during this period. Simultaneously, ongoing raids are underway to capture 53 wanted individuals.
Crackdown on Drug Traffickers
The Yogi government’s resolute stance against drug trafficking is evident in its success in confiscating over 2 lakh 41 thousand kilograms of illegal drugs through operations conducted across various districts of Uttar Pradesh from 2020 to January 2024. The estimated international market value of these substances exceeds Rs 1400 crore.
SK Bhagat, Additional Director General (Crime), highlighted Chief Minister Yogi’s unwavering directives to take stringent action against those involved in the illegal drug trade. Consequently, the ANTF team has been conducting relentless crackdowns on drug traffickers throughout the state.
Significant Seizures and Arrests
The Chief Minister’s office provided specific instances of the ANTF’s actions. In 2022, the ANTF team filed cases against 6 gangs of illicit drug traffickers, resulting in the arrest of 10 individuals. These arrests led to the seizure of 28.88 kilograms of illegal substances valued at Rs 3 crore 14 lakhs. The ANTF also recovered Rs 7,250 cash, 1 two-wheeler, 4 four-wheelers, 1 pistol, and 9 live cartridges from the suspects’ possession.
Similarly, in 2023, a case was filed against a gang of 90 illicit drug traffickers, leading to the arrest of 252 individuals, including 1 Nepali national. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend 40 more suspects. The seized items included 10,369.14 kilograms of illegal substances valued at Rs 73 crore 85 lakhs 75 thousand 500. Moreover, the suspects were found with Rs 16,86,577 cash, 23 two-wheelers, 33 four-wheelers, 13 trucks, and 100 grams of yellow metal jewelry (estimated cost of one ring is Rs 5 lakh 70 thousand).
Continued Efforts and Seizures
ANTF IG Abdul Hamid provided updates on recent operations. As of 2024, cases have been initiated against 14 individuals, with 31 arrests made and ongoing raids to apprehend 13 more suspects. These operations led to the confiscation of 1594.97 kilograms of illegal substances valued at Rs 14 crores 63 lakhs. Additionally, the suspects were found with Rs 18,066 cash, 8 two-wheelers, 4 four-wheelers, and 2 trucks.
In the past two and a half years, authorities have seized various illegal substances from the possession of drug traffickers, including 5.31 kilograms of morphine, 21.33 kilograms of heroin (smack), 115.80 kilograms of charas, 47.35 kilograms of opium, 6155.87 kilograms of doda poppy straw, 5647.341 kilograms of ganja, 1500 bottles of codeine-containing cough syrup (100 ml each), and 135 narcotic pills.
Furthermore, the suspects were found with Rs 17,11,893 cash, 32 two-wheelers, 41 four-wheelers, and 15 trucks.
The Uttar Pradesh government’s commitment to eradicating the drug menace remains steadfast, with the ANTF at the forefront of these efforts.
