On June 24, 2025, the Mau police in Uttar Pradesh made headlines by seizing over 12 quintals of ganja, worth around ₹3 crore, from a truck on the Mau-Ballia highway. This major bust, carried out by a joint team of the Kotwali police, Special Task Force (STF), and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), exposed a smuggling racket operating from Assam to central Uttar Pradesh. One person has been arrested, and the police are hunting for three others involved. The operation has sparked local discussions about drug trafficking and the need for stronger enforcement. Here’s the latest on this case, its impact, and what’s happening now.
Details of the Ganja Seizure
Late on June 23, 2025, Mau police, acting on a tip-off, intercepted a truck near Balliamod on the Mau-Ballia highway. Inside, they found 12.7 quintals of ganja, valued at ₹3.12 crore, hidden in 17 steel boxes disguised as household goods. The boxes, painted to mimic military containers, were meant to avoid suspicion. The driver, Sabhajeet Chauhan from Sultanpur, was arrested. He confessed to smuggling ganja from Assam to Lucknow, using fake military transfer papers. Mau SP Elamaran G praised the team’s alertness, noting the bust disrupted a major smuggling network. The truck and goods were seized, and investigations continue to trace the gang’s operations.
The Smuggler’s Tactics
The smugglers used clever tricks to hide their activities. The ganja was packed in pillow covers and household items, stored in steel boxes resembling military equipment. Fake Army transfer documents were used to dodge checks. Chauhan admitted to multiple prior smuggling trips using similar methods. The gang sourced ganja from Assam, targeting central and western Uttar Pradesh markets. Police are now probing the network’s links, suspecting a larger operation. This tactic of using military-style disguises has raised concerns about smuggling techniques.
Arrest and Ongoing Hunt
Sabhajeet Chauhan, a 40-year-old from Dulhapur, Sultanpur, was arrested during the raid. He tried to mislead police with fake documents but confessed when the ganja was found. Three other suspects escaped, and the Mau police, along with the STF, are actively searching for them. SP Elamaran G stated efforts are underway to nab the remaining gang members. The arrested smuggler’s confession has provided leads, and police are working to dismantle the network. Locals hope the arrests will curb drug trafficking in the region.
What’s Next for the Investigation
The Mau police are digging deeper into the smuggling racket, aiming to catch the three escaped suspects and uncover the full network. The seized ganja and truck are under custody, and authorities are tracing the consignment’s origins in Assam. SP Elamaran G has promised a thorough probe to expose all involved parties. The case may lead to tighter highway checks and stricter laws against drug trafficking. As of June 24, 2025, the investigation is active, with updates expected soon. The bust could set a precedent for cracking down on similar rackets in Uttar Pradesh.
Tracking the Smuggling Network
Police are focusing on the gang’s operations, which stretch from Assam to Uttar Pradesh. The use of military-style boxes and fake documents suggests a sophisticated network. Investigators are working with Assam police to identify suppliers and buyers. The goal is to map the entire chain, from procurement to distribution, to prevent future smuggling. This could lead to more arrests and seizures in the coming weeks.
Potential Policy Changes
The bust has highlighted gaps in highway monitoring. The Uttar Pradesh government may introduce stricter vehicle checks and digital tracking for cargo. Similar cases, like a 2023 Gajapati seizure of 42 quintals, show the need for coordinated efforts across states. Mau’s success could push for better training for Police teams and public reporting systems to catch smugglers early. Locals hope these changes will make the region safer.
Reaction and Concerns
The seizure has stirred the Mau, with residents both relieved and worried. Many are glad the police acted swiftly, as drug trafficking affects local youths and public safety. Social media posts on X show support for the operation, with users praising the STF’s efforts. However, some express concern about the scale of the smuggling network, fearing it may be widespread. The bust has also sparked talks about the need for awareness programs to tackle drug abuse in Mau and nearby areas.
Calls for Broader Measures
The scale of the Ganza seizure has led to demands for stronger anti-drug measures. Locals are asking for more police checkpoints and public campaigns to educate youth about drug risks. Some suggest that schools and colleges in Mau hold awareness sessions. The community also wants the government to target the source of ganja in Assam and other states, as smuggling networks seem well-organized. These calls reflect a desire for long-term solutions to keep Mau safe.
