LUCKNOW: In what officials describe as the first seizure of its kind in Lucknow and potentially Uttar Pradesh, the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) has arrested two women and seized 100 grams of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as ‘ice’, worth approximately ₹10 lakh. The consignment was allegedly intended for supply to clubs in the city’s Summit Building, a prominent nightlife hub.Sources said the two women, aged 36 and 40, were allegedly operating as wholesalers of the synthetic drug. One is a resident of Rae Bareli, while the other belongs to Lucknow. Investigators suspect that the women were part of a supply chain catering to demand for narcotics at clubs and other nightlife establishments.The CBN team intercepted the two women near Sushma Hospital on October 22 after receiving intelligence inputs about the movement of a crystal meth consignment into Lucknow. A search led to the recovery of 100 grams of the drug, following which the contraband was seized and a case was registered under relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.‘First time we have come across such a seizure’According to sources familiar with the investigation, the seizure has raised concerns within the agency because officers had not previously encountered a case involving the alleged wholesale supply of crystal meth in Lucknow and, sources indicated, Uttar Pradesh.The agency is now attempting to establish whether the consignment was part of a larger drug distribution network or an isolated transaction. Investigators are also examining the scale of the alleged operation and the extent to which the drug may have been circulating in the city’s nightlife circuit.The seizure is significant because crystal methamphetamine is a highly addictive synthetic stimulant, and its alleged availability through organised supply channels could indicate the emergence of a new narcotics market in the region.Consignment allegedly meant for clubs through a woman intermediarySources said the seized consignment was allegedly to be handed over to another woman suspected of supplying narcotic substances to certain clubs in the Summit Building.The CBN is investigating the identity and role of the alleged recipient, as well as her links to the two arrested women. Investigators are also trying to determine who arranged the consignment, where it originated and how it was transported to Lucknow.The agency is examining whether the two women were supplying the drug in bulk to intermediaries, who would then distribute it among individual buyers or nightlife establishments.However, the alleged links to specific clubs and the extent of the distribution network remain under investigation.Madhya Pradesh laboratory suspected as possible sourceSources indicated that the drug may have been manufactured in a laboratory in Madhya Pradesh. Investigators are examining this possibility as part of efforts to trace the origin of the seized consignment.The suspected manufacturing link has opened another line of inquiry for the agency, which is attempting to identify the source of the substance and establish the route through which it reached Lucknow.The possible connection to a laboratory has not yet been established through publicly disclosed evidence. Further investigation will be required to determine whether the drug was manufactured in Madhya Pradesh or sourced from elsewhere.Possible links to influential buyers being examinedThe CBN is questioning the arrested women and examining available evidence to identify other suspected suppliers, intermediaries and buyers. Investigators are also attempting to establish whether the alleged operation extended beyond Lucknow.What is crystal methamphetamine?Crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as ‘ice’ or ‘crystal meth’, is a highly addictive synthetic stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Its consumption can cause temporary euphoria and increased energy but carries serious health risks, including cardiovascular complications, elevated body temperature, dental damage, paranoia and hallucinations.Prolonged use can lead to severe physical and psychological consequences, including dependence and significant impairment of daily functioning.
