UTTAR PRADESH: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 591.3 kg of ganja (cannabis) during an intelligence-led operation in Uttar Pradesh, uncovering a suspected cross border drug trafficking attempt involving a specially modified truck.
According to a press release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the operation was conducted between October 17 and 18, 2026. Officials suspected that the cannabis was being transported from Nepal into India.
Cannabis Hidden in Specially Built Compartments
- Acting on specific intelligence that a truck carrying ganja would enter Uttar Pradesh through Sonauli, DRI officers in Gorakhpur launched a surveillance operation with support from teams in Lucknow, Patna and Varanasi.
- After more than four hours of surveillance, officers identified and intercepted the suspected vehicle on the road between Gorakhpur and Kushinagar.
- A detailed search revealed two specially constructed concealed compartments one above the truck’s hood and another behind the driver’s seat.
- Officials recovered 81 packets of ganja weighing a total of 591.3 kg from these hidden compartments.
Truck and Cannabis Seized
- The entire cannabis consignment, along with the truck allegedly used to transport it, was seized under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
- The operation highlights the methods allegedly used to conceal narcotics during transportation and the challenges faced by enforcement agencies in detecting suspected drug trafficking.
DRI Steps Up Action Against Drug Trafficking
- The DRI said the seizure reflects its continued efforts to disrupt narcotics supply chains through intelligence-led operations and improved detection of sophisticated concealment methods.
- Authorities also highlighted the importance of vigilance along suspected cross border routes used for the illegal movement of drugs.
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India, October 19, 2026.
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