Three members of an inter-state drug trafficking network arrested; contraband was allegedly being transported from the Northeast to Uttar Pradesh
New Delhi : In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, officers of the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) MP and UP Units have successfully executed ‘Operation Black Hawk’, seizing a total of 18.64 kg of crude heroin in two separate operations near Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
Three alleged members of an inter-state trafficking network have been arrested. According to the CBN, the seized contraband originated from a northeastern state and was being transported for distribution in Uttar Pradesh.
Heroin concealed in specially modified fuel tank
Acting on specific intelligence regarding the movement of drugs from the Northeast towards Lucknow, joint teams of the CBN MP and UP Units established surveillance along the Sultanpur–Lucknow Highway during the intervening night of August 20 and 21.
After tracking the suspected movement through multiple toll plazas, officers intercepted an Assam-registered Hyundai Creta near Lucknow on August 21.
Although the vehicle initially appeared empty and its occupants denied involvement, officers became suspicious after learning that the vehicle had been refuelled four times within approximately 500 km.
A physical examination of the fuel tank reportedly revealed an unusual hollow acoustic response. The vehicle was subsequently taken to the CBN office in Lucknow, where technical assistance was used to dismantle the fuel tank.
Officials discovered a specially fabricated concealed compartment containing 25 waterproof packages, collectively holding approximately 16.48 kg of crude heroin. Two suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure.
2.16 Kg heroin recovered from truck
In a separate operation, the CBN UP Unit developed intelligence regarding the movement of contraband in a heavy commercial vehicle travelling along the Siliguri–Lucknow corridor.
CBN teams tracked the truck through several toll plazas before intercepting it near Barabanki.
A detailed physical search reportedly uncovered 2.16 kg of crude heroin concealed inside a specially constructed secret chamber within the vehicle’s body frame. One suspect was arrested.
Vehicles and contraband confiscated
All three accused have been booked under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The two vehicles and the entire seized consignment have been confiscated.
The CBN said that further financial and logistical investigations are underway to identify the upstream suppliers in the Northeast and dismantle connected downstream distribution networks.
Key Seizures at a Glance
- Total crude heroin seized: 18.64 kg
- From Hyundai Creta: 16.48 kg
- From heavy commercial vehicle: 2.16 kg
- Vehicles impounded: 2
- Arrests: 3 suspects
- Concealment methods: Fabricated fuel-tank cavity and secret truck body chamber
- Law invoked: NDPS Act, 1985
The operation marks a significant enforcement action by the CBN against organized inter-state drug trafficking networks operating along the Northeast–Uttar Pradesh corridor.
