In a major breakthrough against drug trafficking, officers of the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) MP and UP Units successfully executed ‘Operation Black Hawk’, seizing total 18.64 kg crude heroin in back-to-back operations near Lucknow (U.P.). Three key members of an inter-state trafficking network have been arrested. The contraband originated from North-Eastern State and were being trafficked for consumption in Uttar Pradesh.

Developing first precise inputs from the CBN MP Unit regarding drug movement from the North-East region to Lucknow, joint teams from CBN MP and UP units established a strategic cordon along the Sultanpur–Lucknow Highway on the intervening night of August 20–21, 2026.

Following continuous tracking from at different Toll Plazas, the strike team intercepted an Assam-registered Hyundai Creta at near Lucknow on August 21. The vehicle was found empty and the occupants claimed innocence. Operational officers grew suspicious when the vehicle’s occupants on questioning disclosed to have refueled four times within a span of just 500 km. A physical tapping test of the fuel tank confirmed a hollow acoustic anomaly. At the CBN Office in Lucknow, technical assistance was utilized to dismantle the fuel tank, exposing a specially fabricated compartment holding 25 waterproof packages containing 16.46 kg of crude heroin. Both suspects were arrested.

In another (second) actionable intelligence developed by the CBN UP Unit indicated a heavy truck transporting contraband along the Siliguri–Lucknow corridor. CBN teams tracked the vehicle across multiple toll plazas before intercepting it near Barabanki. A systematic physical search revealed 2.16 kg crude heroin concealed inside a specially constructed secret chamber within the vehicle’s body frame. One suspect was arrested.

All three suspects have been booked under stringent provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Both transport vehicles and the entire contraband consignment have been confiscated. Comprehensive follow-up financial and logistical investigations are currently underway to trace upstream suppliers in the North-East and dismantle connected downstream distribution channels.

Key seizures at a glance

• Total Seized Drugs: 18.64 kg (16.48 kg from a Car and 2.16 kg from a heavy commercial vehicle)
• Vehicles Impounded: one Assam-registered Hyundai Creta, one Heavy Commercial Truck.
• Total Arrests: 3 Suspects (arrested under the NDPS Act, 1985)
• Concealment Methods: Fabricated fuel tank cavity and secret body chambers in Truck.

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SR/KMN