DGP Rajeev Krishna
So far in 2026, authorities have detained 71 habitual drug traffickers under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act and initiated proceedings against properties worth around ₹78.5 crore believed to have been acquired through drug trafficking. The crackdown forms part of the Centre’s goal of making India drug-free by 2029 and UP govt’s campaign against narcotics trafficking. 71 habitual traffickers were detained under the PIT-NDPS Act between Jan and Sept 23, 2026, marking a substantial rise over previous years, according to police data. This year, district police units have accounted for 38 cases involving properties worth nearly ₹68.5 crore, while ANTF has initiated action in 50 cases involving assets valued at around ₹10 crore. Stressing that enforcement efforts would become more targeted and intelligence-driven, he said the department remains committed to achieving a drug-free Uttar Pradesh by 2029 through sustained action against organised narcotics networks and the illicit wealth generated by them.
Senior police officials said the strategy has evolved beyond routine arrests, with increasing emphasis on dismantling organised drug syndicates and cutting off their financial lifelines. Police officials said the law is primarily being invoked against alleged repeat offenders and key players in organised drug networks to prevent them from continuing their activities. Officials said the figures highlight a growing focus on disrupting the economic foundations of organised drug trafficking. DGP Rajeev Krishna said the police would continue pursuing traffickers, their associates and their financial networks with equal intensity.
Lucknow: In one of its most aggressive anti-narcotics drives in recent years, UP Police and Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) have intensified action against drug traffickers by targeting not only offenders but also the financial networks sustaining the illegal trade. Investigators have been identifying land, buildings, vehicles and other assets allegedly linked to narcotics proceeds and initiating legal action under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act. Police believe that depriving traffickers of illegally acquired wealth is one of the most effective ways to weaken organised criminal networks.