In a major anti-narcotics operation, Kanpur Police seized more than 600 kilograms of cannabis valued at nearly ₹10 crore after a dramatic 15-kilometre chase on GT Road. The operation, carried out under the ongoing anti-drug campaign “Operation White Powder,” resulted in the arrest of one alleged drug trafficker and exposed an interstate smuggling network with links across northern India.
According to police officials, the breakthrough came after the Crime Branch and Rawatpur Police received intelligence inputs about a large consignment of cannabis being transported through Kanpur. Investigators had been monitoring call records and conducting technical surveillance on individuals connected to previous narcotics cases when they detected suspicious activity linked to the movement of the truck.
Late on Monday night, police learned that a truck carrying a huge quantity of cannabis was heading towards Agra, Noida, Delhi and Haryana. Acting swiftly, multiple teams were deployed near Panki on GT Road. Officers began tracking the vehicle, but the driver allegedly attempted to flee after noticing the police presence. What followed was a high-speed chase covering nearly 15 kilometres before the truck was finally intercepted near Gurdev Palace after barricades were placed along the route.
During the search of the vehicle, police recovered more than 600 kilograms of cannabis concealed inside parcels and boxes. The seized packets varied in size, weighing between 2 kg and 10 kg each. Authorities estimate the value of the contraband at around ₹10 crore in the illegal drug market.
The arrested accused has been identified as 30-year-old Liyaqat Ali, a resident of Haryana. During preliminary interrogation, he allegedly revealed that the consignment originated in Odisha and was destined for distribution across Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana and parts of Madhya Pradesh. Police suspect the seized drugs were part of a larger interstate trafficking operation.
Investigators have also identified three additional suspects—Jamshed, Javed and Junaid—who are believed to be associated with the smuggling network. Raids are currently underway to locate and arrest them. Police are examining mobile phone data, financial transactions and other technical evidence to trace the broader supply chain and identify the masterminds behind the operation.
Officials said the latest seizure marks one of the biggest narcotics recoveries in Kanpur in recent years. Under “Operation White Powder,” nearly 100 individuals involved in drug trafficking have already been arrested, and hundreds of kilograms of narcotics have been seized. The latest crackdown is expected to further strengthen efforts to dismantle organized drug networks operating across state borders.
