Greater Noida Police Bust Online Cannabis Network, Seize 55 Kg of Drugs

In a major operation on November 10, 2026, the Greater Noida police arrested three individuals involved in a sophisticated online cannabis distribution network. The suspects were apprehended with 55.124 kilograms of cannabis, valued at approximately ₹55 lakh, during a raid at an under-construction building near Golden Grand Road in Greater Noida West. The operation was executed by the SWAT team in collaboration with the Bisrakh police, following intelligence inputs and local policing efforts.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Alam Khan (30), Wasim (26), and Lakshya Rathore (19), hailing from different regions in Uttar Pradesh. The police have reported that the suspects were utilizing Telegram to coordinate orders and were packaging the cannabis in bags resembling those used by e-commerce companies to evade detection.

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Praveen Ranjan Singh, the suspects had established a supply chain that involved procuring cannabis from regions such as Odisha at lower prices. They would then repackage the drugs in e-commerce branded bags and deliver them directly to customers. This method not only facilitated discreet transactions but also allowed them to leverage the growing trend of online shopping.

"The suspects had developed a supply network in which they procured cannabis from Odisha and other areas, repackaged it in bags resembling those used by e-commerce companies and delivered it to customers on demand," stated DCP Singh. The police also seized a sedan car believed to be used for transporting the contraband, along with three mobile phones that were integral to the operation.

The investigation revealed that one of the suspects, Wasim, had a prior record related to drug offenses. In 2024, he was implicated in another case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at the Garhmukteshwar police station in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh. This raises concerns about the extent of his involvement in drug trafficking and whether he had any accomplices in his previous dealings.

A case has been registered against all three accused under sections 8 and 20 of the NDPS Act at the Bisrakh police station. The police are now focused on tracing the source of the cannabis, identifying potential buyers, and uncovering any additional links within the drug supply network. "We are investigating the source of the contraband, the extent of their customer network and whether other people were involved in the supply chain," added DCP Singh.

The use of technology, particularly messaging platforms like Telegram, has become increasingly prevalent in the drug trade. This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in combating drug trafficking in the digital age. The anonymity provided by such platforms allows traffickers to operate with relative impunity, making it difficult for authorities to track their activities.

The police's ability to disrupt this operation underscores the importance of local intelligence and community engagement in tackling drug-related crimes. The collaboration between various police units, including the SWAT team, demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing the growing issue of drug trafficking in urban areas.

The arrest of these individuals and the seizure of a significant quantity of cannabis is a critical step in addressing drug-related issues in Greater Noida. The local community has expressed concerns about the rising drug culture and its impact on youth. Authorities are now tasked with not only curbing the supply but also educating the public about the dangers of drug use and the legal repercussions of involvement in drug trafficking.

As investigations continue, the Greater Noida police are expected to enhance their surveillance and intelligence-gathering efforts to prevent similar operations from emerging in the future. The community's cooperation will be vital in ensuring a safer environment for all residents.

The recent bust serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and the need for continuous vigilance and community involvement to combat this pervasive issue.