In a dramatic police raid on November 12, 2024, Rahul Chaudhary, a 46-year-old man from Greater Noida, was arrested for cultivating cannabis in his rented apartment. Authorities discovered 80 cannabis plants and over 2 kg of marijuana in a sophisticated indoor setup designed for high-quality growth. Chaudhary allegedly sold the cannabis through the dark web, having turned to this illegal activity after his restaurant business failed during the COVID-19 pandemic. He is now facing charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.
A High-Tech Cannabis Nursery Uncovered
The police were astonished when they raided Chaudhary’s flat at Parsvnath Panorama Society, finding an elaborate indoor nursery equipped with full-spectrum lights and temperature-regulating machines. “It was a scene straight out of a Hollywood movie,” stated Inspector Anuj Kumar, who led the operation. The raid followed a tip-off about Chaudhary’s illegal activities and resulted in the seizure of cannabis plants meticulously labelled by variety. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Saad Miya Khan reported that Chaudhary had been growing cannabis for about six months and had developed a methodical operation involving advanced aeroponic techniques.
Background of the Operation
Chaudhary’s descent into cannabis cultivation began during the pandemic when his eatery in Greater Noida closed down, prompting him to explore alternative income sources. Inspired by crime dramas and web series, he researched cannabis cultivation online and ordered seeds from international suppliers like Seedsman, using PayPal for transactions. Each plant cost him between ₹5,000 to ₹6,000 to grow, with potential sales reaching ₹50,000 to ₹60,000 per 30 grams on the dark web. Police recovered various cultivation supplies during the raid, indicating a well-planned operation
The Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Chaudhary was apprehended near the P-3 roundabout in Beta-2 while allegedly delivering cannabis to a customer. Following his arrest, police raided his apartment and found not only cannabis plants but also chemicals, fertilizers, and packaging materials used for distribution. He has been charged under Section 20 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, with ongoing investigations into his network of buyers and suppliers.
News in Q&A
1. What happened in Greater Noida?
On November 12, 2024, police arrested Rahul Chaudhary for cultivating cannabis in his apartment. Authorities seized 80 cannabis plants and over 2 kg of marijuana during a raid following a tip-off about his illegal activities.
2. How did the police discover Chaudhary’s operation?
The police received information regarding Chaudhary’s drug activities and laid a trap near the P-3 roundabout where he was apprehended while delivering cannabis. This led them to raid his flat at Parsvnath Panorama Society.
3. What methods did Chaudhary use for cultivation?
Chaudhary utilized advanced aeroponic techniques learned online to grow cannabis without soil. His setup included full-spectrum lighting and temperature control systems that created ideal growing conditions.
4. Why did he turn to cannabis cultivation?
After losing his restaurant during the COVID-19 pandemic, Chaudhary sought alternative income sources. He was inspired by crime dramas to start growing cannabis and began researching cultivation methods online.
5. What are the implications of this case?
This incident raises significant questions about drug policies in India and highlights socio-economic factors leading individuals toward illegal activities. It calls for a broader dialogue on addressing issues like unemployment that may drive such actions.
