In a significant crackdown on narcotics trade, the Pratapgarh police on Monday apprehended a notorious drug peddler and confiscated a substantial quantity of cannabis along with licensed firearms from his possession. The operation highlights the ongoing efforts by Uttar Pradesh police to curb drug trafficking in the region.
Major Haul from Notorious Offender
The arrested individual has been identified as Ramnarayan Mishra, also known as Juggi, a resident of Jamlapmau (Baghrai). During the arrest, the police team made a substantial recovery. They seized 1.120 kilograms of ganja (cannabis) from Mishra. More alarmingly, they also recovered two firearms along with live ammunition.
The seized arsenal included one 0.32 bore revolver with 10 live cartridges and one 0.12 bore double-barrel gun (DBBL) with 14 live cartridges. A shocking revelation from the police investigation was that both these weapons were legally licensed. The license holder, whom Mishra claimed to be a relative, is reportedly based in Lucknow.
Long Criminal History Uncovered
Further investigation into Mishra's background revealed a deeply entrenched criminal past. The police confirmed that as many as 20 criminal cases are currently pending against him in various police stations. This arrest is seen as a major breakthrough in dismantling a persistent network operating in the area.
Second Arrest in Connected Operation
In a related development following the first arrest, the Pratapgarh police also nabbed another alleged drug peddler. He has been identified as Anil Mishra, alias Tabde. From his possession, the authorities recovered 465 grams of ganja, cash amounting to Rs 47,280, and a motorcycle. The simultaneous arrests suggest a coordinated action against multiple nodes of the drug supply chain.
The police have registered cases against both individuals under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Arms Act. The investigation is ongoing, with officials probing the source of the narcotics, the financial trail, and the circumstances under which the licensed weapons came into the possession of the accused. The focus is also on identifying and questioning the license holder of the firearms recovered from Ramnarayan Mishra.
