The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) arrested three drug smugglers in the Vibhutikhand police station area on Sunday, recovering 550 grams of heroin valued at approximately Rs 1.5 crore in the international market.
The Gorakhpur ANTF unit, working jointly with Vibhutikhand police, acted on a tip-off and intercepted a car near BBD Viraj Tower, close to the Kamta intersection on Shaheed Path. During the search, officers discovered packets of heroin concealed inside the vehicle and immediately took the three suspects into custody.
The arrested men were identified as Mohammad Anas (24) and Nasir Ali (55), both residents of Tikra Usman village in Barabanki district, and Mohammad Arsalan (21) of Tikaniya Mau village in Lucknow’s Gosaiganj area. During interrogation, the trio admitted they had obtained the heroin from a man in their village and were on their way to sell it.
Along with the narcotics, the ANTF seized an Ertiga car, four Android mobile phones, and Rs 8,900 in cash.
A case under relevant sections of the NDPS Act has been registered at Vibhutikhand police station. Police are now investigating the broader supply chain to identify others involved in the illegal drug network.
