Major Drug Bust in Lucknow: DRI Seizes Heroin Worth ₹10.48 Crore from Kathmandu-Delhi Bus Passenger

By Prem Kumar Fri, 22 May 2026

LUCKNOW:In a major breakthrough against cross-border narcotics smuggling, the Lucknow zonal unit of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has intercepted an international bus passenger and seized 5.24 kg of high-grade Heroin. The value of the confiscated contraband is estimated to be approximately ₹10.48 crore in the illicit drug market.

Intelligence-Led Midnight Crackdown

Acting on a pinpoint tip-off that an individual traveling on a cross-border bus from Kathmandu (Nepal) to New Delhi was transporting a massive consignment of narcotics hidden in his baggage, the DRI formed a specialized team.

Officers mounted a discreet surveillance operation at a strategic point in Lucknow and successfully intercepted the suspect vehicle and the passenger in the early hours of May 20, 2026.

Hidden Compartments and Confirmed Contraband

A meticulous search of the suspect's luggage led to the discovery of two neatly packed bundles containing a white powdery substance.

Quantity Seized: 5,240 grams (5.24 kg)
Substance: Tested positive for Heroin via a preliminary field-testing kit.
Market Value: ~₹10.48 Crore

Legal Action: The entire consignment was confiscated under the stringent provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The carrier was immediately taken into custody.

Sent to 14-Day Judicial Custody

Following his arrest, the accused was produced before the Learned Additional District and Sessions Judge at the NDPS Court in Lucknow. The court has remanded the smuggler to 14 days of judicial custody. DRI sleuths are currently interrogating the suspect to trace the broader network, including the key suppliers in Nepal and the intended receivers in Delhi.

DRI's Relentless War on Drug Cartels in Lucknow

This operational success highlights the DRI's continuous crackdown on the international drug mafia using transit routes through Uttar Pradesh. The agency's track record over the last two quarters reflects a massive dent in the syndicate's operations:

Timeline	Total Heroin Seized	Estimated Illicit Market Value
Last 6 Months (Lucknow Zonal)	21.34 kg	Approx. ₹42.68 Crore

Further investigations are underway as the agency looks to completely dismantle the supply chain operating across the Indo-Nepal border.

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