Lucknow: A Myanmar national was apprehended with over 4.5 kilograms of high-grade hydroponic cannabis, valued at approximately Rs 4.5 crore, on the Uttar Pradesh-Nepal border in the Sonauli area of Maharajganj district. The arrest was carried out by a joint team of Maharajganj police and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).
Details of the Seizure
Police recovered six packets of cannabis from the bag of the accused, identified as Phiyo, aged 30. According to sources, Phiyo informed the authorities that the consignment was handed over to him in Thailand. From there, it was transported to Kathmandu before being smuggled into India via Nepal. Investigators believe that the consignment was destined for Delhi, which serves as a major hub for the consumption and distribution of premium-grade cannabis.
Suspected International Syndicate
Officials suspect the involvement of a well-organized international syndicate operating across multiple countries. Phiyo was subsequently handed over to the Narcotics Control Bureau's Gorakhpur unit for further investigation.
Intelligence-Led Operation
SSB officials stated that they had received intelligence inputs indicating that a drug peddler would attempt to cross into India near the border. Acting on this information, a special surveillance team was deployed. Within hours, Phiyo was intercepted approximately 30 meters inside Indian territory. A search of his trolley bag led to the recovery of six packets of hydroponic cannabis, weighing a total of 4.5 kilograms.
Modus Operandi
Officials revealed that traffickers lure carriers with lucrative payments, reportedly offering up to Rs 1 lakh for transporting 500 grams of cannabis to the national capital. This highlights the financial incentives that drive individuals to participate in such illicit activities.
Sonauli Border Emerging as a Hotspot
The Sonauli border has witnessed a series of similar seizures in recent months, raising concerns over its misuse as a preferred trafficking corridor. Over the past six months, law enforcement agencies have seized narcotics worth crores of rupees and arrested multiple individuals linked to cross-border networks. In February, two youths were apprehended with 8 kilograms of hydroponic cannabis during a joint operation by the SSB and local police. They had reportedly received the consignment in Kathmandu for delivery in Delhi.
