Maharajganj

Security personnel arrested a man near the India-Nepal border in Uttar Pradesh's Maharajganj district and seized more than 2.30 kilograms of high-grade hydroponic cannabis, estimated to be worth around Rs 1 crore in the international illicit market, officials said on Wednesday.

The arrest was made by the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) following a tip-off about suspected narcotics smuggling activity. The accused, identified as 34-year-old Mohammad Idrish from Ramanathapuram district in Tamil Nadu, was intercepted in the Sonauli border area on Tuesday evening.

According to SSB Assistant Commandant Priya Yadav, Idrish had just crossed into Indian territory on foot from Nepal when security personnel stopped him for checking. During the search, officials discovered the contraband concealed inside his bag, leading to his immediate detention.

Following preliminary interrogation, the accused was handed over to the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) for further investigation. A case has been registered against him under relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

Officials said investigators are now trying to identify and trace other individuals who may be linked to the suspected cross-border drug trafficking network.

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The Sonauli border crossing has witnessed several significant drug seizures in recent months, prompting security agencies to intensify surveillance and strengthen monitoring along the sensitive international route.