Lucknow: The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), Lucknow unit, along with Dubagga police, arrested two men and seized 6.4 kg of suspected morphine, a firearm, cash, vehicles and chemicals in a raid linked to a wider narcotics network whose total haul is estimated at ₹32 crore, police said on Tuesday.The joint team carried out the operation in Mahipat Mau village near Andhe Ki Chowki under Dubagga police station limits. The arrested accused were identified as Mohammad Juhel (25) and Amjad, both residents of Mohsand village in Tikaitganj area under Kursi police station limits of Barabanki district.According to the recovery report, police seized 6.4 kg of suspected morphine, including 3.6 kg of dry powder and 2.8 kg of a wet, lump-shaped substance. Investigators also recovered a .32-bore pistol with six live cartridges, ₹16,170 in cash, six mobile phones, a scooter and a Hyundai Venue car, besides a large quantity of chemicals and other materials allegedly used in processing narcotics.Additional director general of police (law and order) Amitabh Yash said the raid was part of the Uttar Pradesh Police drive against drug trafficking and illegal narcotics manufacturing under a zero-tolerance policy.SP, ANTF, Chakresh Mishra, who led the operation, said Juhel, a BPharma graduate, allegedly masterminded the network. Preliminary investigation suggests the group procured raw materials from north-eastern locations including Guwahati and Manipur and supplied narcotic substances to multiple destinations across India based on orders. Mishra said the accused allegedly used rented houses in Lucknow to process chemicals and remove impurities prior to dispatch.An officer familiar with the probe said the accused would rent houses in rural areas on the city’s outskirts for four to five months, operate from those locations and then shift bases to evade detection. The officer added that buyers allegedly collected consignments using a bucket tied to a rope, avoiding direct contact with the manufacturers, with payments also exchanged through the same method.Police said the phones, vehicles and chemicals have been seized for forensic examination to trace other associates and map the supply chain. Officials noted that while the broader valuation is being reported in connection with the network, the recovery memo specifically lists 6.4 kg of suspected morphine and related materials, with further confirmation pending.
