Lucknow: Continuing its crackdown on illegal narcotics under the Uttar Pradesh govt’s zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) has achieved a major breakthrough in Chandauli, arresting a suspected drug trafficker and recovering 1.02 kg of heroin estimated to be worth around Rs 2.1 crore in the illegal market.The action was carried out by the Varanasi unit of the ANTF, which arrested suspected trafficker Abhishek Sonkar during an operation in Chandauli district. The recovery is considered significant because of the quantity and estimated value of the contraband seized.According to the DGP office, the arrested accused is a resident of Jhoriya Jagdishpur Babatpur under Phulpur police station in Varanasi. Acting on information about the movement of an illegal narcotics consignment, the ANTF team intercepted Sonkar on the Godna Mod service road in the Alinagar police station area of Chandauli.During a search, the team recovered 1 kg 20 grams of heroin from his possession, along with other articles suspected to be connected with the transportation and supply of the contraband.During preliminary interrogation, the accused reportedly told investigators that he was involved in the illegal narcotics trade in association with a partner.According to police, Sonkar was transporting the recovered heroin towards Chandauli on the instructions of his partner. The consignment was allegedly meant to be handed over to another person at a designated location. However, before the alleged delivery could take place, the ANTF team intercepted and arrested him.Investigators are now trying to establish the identity of the person who was supposed to receive the consignment and determine the source from which the heroin had been procured.The ANTF has expanded its investigation to uncover the wider network allegedly operating behind the consignment. Police are examining the role of the accused’s partner and others who may be connected with the procurement, transportation and distribution of the heroin.Investigators are also looking into the financial transactions and communication links of the accused to identify other members of the suspected drug-trafficking network.Officials said the investigation would focus not only on the arrested carrier but also on the source of the contraband, the intended recipient and other links in the supply chain.The seizure comes as enforcement agencies in Uttar Pradesh continue to intensify action against organised narcotics trafficking. The government has repeatedly directed police and specialised agencies to adopt a strict approach towards the illegal drug trade and take action against those involved in the procurement, transportation and distribution of narcotic substances.
