CBN Seizes 18.64 Kg Heroin in ‘Operation Black Hawk’
Three members of inter-state drug trafficking network arrested near Lucknow
- CBN teams seized 18.64 kg of crude heroin in two operations in Uttar Pradesh.
- The contraband was allegedly being transported from the Northeast to Uttar Pradesh.
- Three suspected members of the inter-state trafficking network were arrested.
- Two vehicles with specially concealed compartments were seized.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 24th Aug: The Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) has busted an inter-state heroin trafficking network in Uttar Pradesh under ‘Operation Black Hawk’, recovering 18.64 kg of crude heroin in two back-to-back operations near Lucknow and arresting three suspected members of the network.
According to the CBN, the contraband originated from a northeastern state and was allegedly being transported to Uttar Pradesh for distribution.
The operation was launched after the CBN’s Madhya Pradesh Unit developed specific intelligence about the movement of drugs from the Northeast towards Lucknow. Joint teams of the CBN’s Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh Units mounted surveillance along the Sultanpur-Lucknow Highway during the intervening night of August 20-21.
16.46 Kg Heroin Found in Car Fuel Tank
On August 21, CBN teams intercepted an Assam-registered Hyundai Creta near Lucknow after tracking its movement through multiple toll plazas.
The occupants initially denied any involvement in drug trafficking. However, investigators became suspicious after learning that the vehicle had been refuelled four times over a distance of around 500 km.
A physical inspection of the fuel tank revealed an unusual hollow acoustic response. The vehicle was subsequently taken to the CBN office in Lucknow, where the fuel tank was dismantled with technical assistance.
Investigators found 25 waterproof packages containing 16.46 kg of crude heroin concealed inside a specially fabricated compartment. Two suspects travelling in the vehicle were arrested.
2.16 Kg Heroin Recovered From Truck
In a separate operation, the CBN’s Uttar Pradesh Unit received intelligence about a heavy truck allegedly transporting narcotics along the Siliguri-Lucknow corridor.
The vehicle was tracked through several toll plazas before being intercepted near Barabanki. A detailed search led to the discovery of 2.16 kg of crude heroin concealed in a specially constructed secret chamber inside the vehicle’s body frame.
One suspect was arrested in connection with the recovery.
Investigation Under NDPS Act
The CBN said all three arrested suspects have been booked under stringent provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
Both vehicles and the seized contraband have been confiscated. Investigators are now conducting financial and logistical probes to identify the upstream suppliers operating in the Northeast and trace the downstream distribution network.
The CBN said the investigation is aimed at dismantling the wider inter-state trafficking chain linked to the seized heroin consignments.
