A shocking discovery unfolded in Greater Noida on Tuesday when police raided a 10th-floor apartment, uncovering an extensive illegal cannabis cultivation operation. Rahul Choudhary, a 46-year-old man, was arrested for growing cannabis in his flat and allegedly selling it through the dark web. The operation revealed an impressive setup, complete with 80 fully-grown cannabis plants, advanced lighting, air-conditioning for temperature regulation, and equipment for proper cultivation—all valued at an estimated Rs 50-60 lakh.
A High-Tech Operation Hidden in Plain Sight
When police officers entered the apartment at Parsvnath Panorama Society, they were stunned by the professionalism of the operation. Inspector Anuj Kumar recalled the scene, saying, “It looked like a scene straight out of a Hollywood movie. We expected a few cannabis plants in pots, but instead we found full-spectrum lights, temperature control equipment, and cannabis plants organised by variety.”
The apartment, which was neatly organized with various cannabis strains labeled by type, was equipped with all the essentials for growing the plants indoors. This was no amateur operation; Choudhary had set up a miniature indoor nursery, complete with artificial lighting and climate control systems designed to mimic the ideal growing conditions for cannabis.
How the Authorities Uncovered the Operation
The raid followed a tip-off about Choudhary’s involvement in illegal cannabis trade. According to the police, Choudhary was scheduled to deliver a consignment of cannabis to a buyer, and officers set up a trap. They apprehended him while he was handing over a packet to the buyer at a roundabout in Greater Noida.
When questioned, Choudhary confessed to growing the cannabis himself inside his apartment. The authorities found more than just plants: in addition to the 80 cannabis plants, police recovered 2,070 grams of illegal cannabis and 163.4 grams of OG cannabis, a high-grade strain. Choudhary’s cultivation was sophisticated, with each plant valued between Rs 50,000-60,000, marking a lucrative operation.
The Dark Web Connection
Choudhary’s venture into cannabis cultivation seemed to stem from his growing interest in the subject through online sources. Police revealed that Choudhary, who holds a post-graduate degree in English, had previously owned an eatery that went under during the Covid-19 pandemic. With his business shuttered, Choudhary turned to the dark web, movies, and books to learn how to grow cannabis. He ordered cannabis seeds from Seedsman, a foreign website, paying through PayPal. His estimated cost per plant was Rs 5,000-6,000, but he hoped to sell each plant for up to Rs 60,000.
Personal Struggles and Shocking Confessions
Originally from Meerut, Choudhary lived alone in the apartment, estranged from his wife and children. He admitted that he began cultivating cannabis about four months ago, anticipating his first harvest. Despite the alarming nature of his operation, Choudhary’s story appears to be one of a man trying to rebuild his life after the closure of his restaurant and the isolation brought about by personal issues.
The Authorities’ Response
The Greater Noida police have booked Choudhary under Section 20 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, which deals with the possession and distribution of illegal drugs. The police have highlighted the risks of such illegal activities, especially with the involvement of the dark web, and emphasized the need for continued vigilance.
Choudhary’s arrest has sparked concerns about the growing trend of cannabis cultivation in urban areas, especially with the increasing use of the dark web for illicit trade. Authorities have urged people to remain aware of such operations and report any suspicious activity.
The case remains under investigation as police continue to examine the full extent of Choudhary’s activities and his connections on the dark web. The discovery serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by illegal drug trade and the increasingly sophisticated methods employed by individuals involved in such activities.
