Uttar Pradesh Cracks Down on Drug Networks, Seizes ₹78.5 Crore in Illegal Assets

Uttar Pradesh has dramatically escalated its fight against illegal drugs, with authorities confiscating properties worth nearly ₹78.5 crore from drug traffickers in 69 cases up to September 23, 2026. This marks a massive four-fold increase in seizures compared to the previous year, showcasing the Yogi government tough 'zero-tolerance' approach against narcotics trade across the state. The UP Police and its specialized Anti Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) have detained 71 traffickers under the strict PIT NDPS Act, aiming to dismantle entire drug networks, not just arrest individuals. This aggressive push is part of a larger strategy led by UP DGP Rajeev Krishna, who emphasizes crippling the financial power of drug syndicates by seizing assets acquired through illegal means. The state's goal of becoming 'drug-free by 2029' aligns with the national 'Nasha Mukt Bharat 2029' roadmap, a three-year mission announced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah that targets dismantling drug networks nationwide. Beyond arrests, sections 68(E) and 68(F) of the NDPS Act are being used to freeze and permanently take over these illicit properties, hitting traffickers where it hurts most: their wallets. Looking ahead, expect this crackdown to intensify, with a focus on intelligence-driven operations and continued financial investigations to completely break the back of drug mafias. The state is also running anti-drug campaigns in colleges and universities to educate young people, showing a multi-pronged approach to tackle the problem from both supply and demand sides. The significant increase in detentions and asset forfeitures signals that Uttar Pradesh is committed to achieving its 2029 target, setting a strong example for other states.