Northern India drug busts: Over 18 kg heroin seized in UP, Punjab, Rajasthan

In a series of coordinated operations across northern India, law enforcement agencies have dealt major blows to both interstate and cross-border heroin smuggling networks , seizing over 18 kg of heroin valued at approximately Rs 80 crore .

In Uttar Pradesh , a joint team of the UP Police and Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) arrested Vinod Sahani , a resident of Gudra, Bihar, and Rahul Kumar from Gidhaur, Jharkhand, in connection with an interstate narcotics racket. Officials recovered 2.505 kg of heroin , with investigations revealing that the duo procured opium in bulk, processed it into heroin, and sold it at high prices . Both were remanded to judicial custody by a Kushinagar court , and authorities are working to identify other members of the network.

Meanwhile, in Punjab , the Punjab Police cracked a cross-border drug smuggling module , apprehending two individuals involved in distributing 4.13 kg of heroin across the Majha and Doaba regions . Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav revealed that the accused were in contact with Europe-based handlers and jailed operatives , facilitating international drug consignments. An FIR has been registered at Sultanwind police station, Amritsar , as investigations continue.

In a separate operation in Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar district , authorities detained four people following the seizure of around 12 kg of heroin , reportedly smuggled via drones from across the Indo-Pak border . Superintendent of Police Harishankar confirmed the consignment, valued at Rs 60 crore , was intercepted before reaching Punjab. The joint operation involved the CID, local police, and the Border Security Force (BSF), and authorities are taking steps to strengthen anti-drone systems amid rising cross-border drone smuggling incidents.

These consecutive busts underscore the growing sophistication of drug trafficking networks, involving interstate operatives and international links. Officials have vowed strict action against smugglers, emphasizing collaboration between state police forces and central agencies to dismantle such networks.