In a dramatic bust, police in Greater Noida arrested a man for cultivating cannabis inside his high-rise apartment and selling it on the dark web. Rahul Chaudhary, an English graduate from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, was found operating a sophisticated indoor cannabis farm on the 10th floor of a housing society.
The Setup: Cannabis on the 10th Floor
The arrest, made near the P-3 roundabout in the Beta-2 area, was part of a coordinated operation involving the local police and the district anti-narcotics team. A subsequent raid of Flat No. 1001, Tower 5, Parsvnath Panorama, uncovered 80 cannabis plants and over 2 kg of processed cannabis. Among the seized items was 163.4 grams of high-grade ‘OG’ cannabis.
Police said Chaudhary had been growing cannabis for six months, inspired by crime dramas and web series that depicted similar operations. Using advanced aeroponic techniques, he created a controlled environment for the plants, learning the methods through online resources.
Aeroponics and Controlled Cultivation
Aeroponics, a soil-free technique that uses mist and nutrient solutions to grow plants, allows for optimal growth and higher yields. Chaudhary’s setup reportedly included advanced lighting, temperature controls, and nutrient delivery systems. This level of sophistication suggests he aimed to produce high-quality cannabis, appealing to niche markets.
Dark Web Distribution
Authorities believe Chaudhary was distributing cannabis through the dark web, a hidden layer of the internet often associated with illegal transactions. By utilizing anonymous networks, he could evade detection and cater to a clientele that valued privacy and discretion.
Law Enforcement Perspective
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Greater Noida), Saad Miya Khan, highlighted the growing trend of individuals turning to unconventional and illegal methods to earn quick money. “This case underscores how technology and information can be misused for criminal purposes. We are ramping up efforts to tackle such operations,” he said.
Inspiration Turned Misstep
Chaudhary’s case exemplifies how pop culture can influence criminal behavior. Inspired by web series and crime dramas, he invested time and resources to establish his operation, believing he could outsmart the law.
Cannabis and Legal Grey Areas
While some Indian states like Himachal Pradesh are considering legalizing cannabis cultivation for industrial and medicinal purposes, illegal operations like this one continue to be classified as serious offenses under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
The act prohibits the cultivation, production, sale, and distribution of cannabis without proper authorization. Chaudhary now faces severe penalties, including imprisonment, under these provisions.
A Broader Trend
The bust sheds light on the increasing sophistication of cannabis cultivation in urban India, with individuals employing cutting-edge agricultural techniques. It also highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement as technology enables such operations to flourish discreetly.
What’s Next?
Rahul Chaudhary is currently in police custody, with investigations ongoing to uncover the extent of his network and potential buyers on the dark web. Police are also working to determine if he had any accomplices or suppliers for equipment and seeds.
The case serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of engaging in illegal drug cultivation and trade, particularly in an era of heightened digital surveillance and law enforcement sophistication.
