ANTF Seizes ₹55 Lakh Worth of Opium in Bareilly; Two Inter-State Drug Traffickers Arrested

In a major breakthrough against inter-state drug trafficking, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) of Uttar Pradesh has seized 11 kilograms of illegal opium worth approximately ₹55 lakh in Bareilly and arrested two inter-state traffickers involved in a long-running narcotics supply chain from Jharkhand to Punjab.

The operation was carried out by the ANTF Bareilly unit following sustained intelligence inputs indicating large-scale smuggling of opium cultivated illegally in the hilly and forested regions of Jharkhand. The contraband was being routed through Bareilly before being supplied to drug syndicates in Punjab.

Interception Near Rampura Bujurg Underpass

Acting on precise information, the ANTF team intensified surveillance and began vehicle checks near the Rampura Bujurg underpass in the Bhimora police station area. During the operation, a suspicious car heading towards Aliganj was intercepted.

Upon search, ANTF officials recovered:

• 11 kg of illegal opium
• Two mobile phones
• One Aadhaar card
• ₹9,200 in cash
• One Hyundai i-20 car

The occupants of the vehicle were identified as Kande Munda and Balka Munda, both residents of Jharkhand. They were immediately taken into custody.

Jharkhand–Bareilly–Punjab Drug Network Exposed

During interrogation, the arrested accused made crucial disclosures. They admitted to being involved in clandestine opium cultivation in remote hilly areas of Jharkhand. The processed opium was transported to Bareilly using various methods, where it was handed over to local traffickers.

From Bareilly, the consignment was allegedly supplied to Punjab at significantly higher prices. The accused revealed that they had arrived in Bareilly to deliver the current consignment to a local drug dealer, but were caught before the transaction could be completed.

Major Blow to Inter-State Drug Syndicate

ANTF officials stated that the arrests have dealt a major blow to an active inter-state narcotics syndicate operating across eastern and northern India. Further investigations are underway to identify and arrest other members of the network operating in Bareilly and Punjab.

Officials reiterated that the campaign against narcotics trafficking will continue with zero tolerance, and strict legal action will be taken against all individuals involved in the illegal drug trade.