In a significant crackdown on interstate narcotics trade, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) of Uttar Pradesh, working with Thakurganj police, busted a family-run drug racket in Lucknow. Four people were arrested, including an elderly man, his son, daughter-in-law, and an associate, with narcotics valued at Rs 10.29 crore in the international market.
The arrests were made early Sunday morning in the Rautghat locality, and details surfaced on Monday. The accused have been identified as Shravan Kumar Nishad (65), his son Ayush Nishad (20), daughter-in-law Neha Nishad (24), and Sulfiyan (20), a close associate from Wazirbagh.
According to SHO Shrikant Rai of Thakurganj police, the family operated the racket by sourcing drugs from Barabanki and selling them from their residence. One more family member is still at large and is expected to be arrested soon.
The police recovered 1 kg of morphine, 252 grams of charas, 5.5 kg of ganja, and 6 grams of MDMA (mephedrone) during the raid. Additionally, Rs 79,530 in cash, a 100 Euro note, four mobile phones, and a vehicle used to transport the narcotics were seized.
“The involvement of three family members in this illicit trade highlights evolving tactics where family ties are exploited to reduce risk and evade law enforcement,” said the SHO.
An FIR under sections 8, 20, 21, and 29 of the NDPS Act has been registered at the Thakurganj police station. Investigations continue to trace the source network and any interstate connections.
