In a routine police raid on Tuesday, authorities uncovered a sophisticated cannabis cultivation operation inside a 10th-floor apartment in Greater Noida’s Parsvnath Panorama Society. What initially seemed like a standard drug bust turned into a cinematic discovery, as police found a professional-grade indoor farm housing nearly 80 cannabis plants. The haul, valued at approximately Rs 50-60 lakh, also included chemicals, fertilisers, and specialized equipment, raising questions about the growing intersection of illicit trade and the dark web.
A Hollywood-Like Discovery
At first glance, investigators anticipated only a few cannabis plants in a makeshift setup. But as Inspector Anuj Kumar later described, the scene was far more elaborate. “We expected a few cannabis plants in pots. Instead, we found a full-spectrum light, temperature-regulating machines, and cannabis plants meticulously labelled by variety,” Kumar said. The well-organized setup suggested that the operation was much larger and more professional than local authorities had anticipated.
This discovery came after a tip-off led police to suspect drug activity. They initially believed the suspect, 46-year-old Rahul Choudhary, was simply dealing cannabis. But during questioning, Choudhary revealed that he was the mastermind behind the cultivation operation, growing cannabis right in his rented flat.
Sophisticated Setup Behind Closed Doors
The raid, which followed a prior interception of Choudhary attempting to hand over a cannabis packet, revealed an alarming scale of drug production. Inside the apartment, police seized over 2 kilograms of illegal cannabis, including 163.4 grams of the high-grade “OG” strain. The haul also included various fertilizers, chemicals, and industrial-scale cultivation equipment.
Authorities were stunned by the meticulous operation Choudhary had set up. The indoor grow room featured multiple light sources, temperature controls, and even an irrigation system — hallmarks of a professional cannabis farm.
The value of the cannabis operation, including the plants themselves, was estimated at between Rs 50 lakh and Rs 60 lakh. The amount of cannabis seized could easily supply a significant portion of the local market, and Choudhary’s operation was now linked to dark web transactions.
How a Pandemic Changed Everything
Choudhary’s path into the world of illegal cannabis cultivation reportedly began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when his eatery in Greater Noida was forced to close due to lockdown restrictions. With time on his hands and a desire to make money, Choudhary turned to the dark web. There, he began researching cannabis cultivation, eventually sourcing seeds from an international supplier, Seedsman.
Choudhary, who holds a post-graduate degree in English from Meerut, reportedly made payments for his cannabis seeds via PayPal. Authorities believe he spent Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,000 to grow each plant, while customers were willing to pay anywhere from Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000 per plant.
According to DCP Saad Miya Khan, Choudhary’s operation marks a significant shift in the scale and sophistication of cannabis cultivation in the region. What began as an individual project turned into a thriving illicit business that used advanced growing technology and a global network to reach buyers on the dark web.
The Dark Web’s Role in Illegal Cannabis Trade
The dark web has become an increasingly important player in the underground cannabis trade. Its anonymity and ease of access have made it a fertile ground for illegal transactions. Cannabis, often marketed under various strains, is sold at steep markups, as buyers look for high-quality products.
While this raid marks a significant victory for local law enforcement, it also raises questions about the ease with which illicit cannabis operators can establish complex networks. Authorities are now focused on tracking the broader web of buyers and suppliers involved in Choudhary’s operations, with a particular emphasis on the dark web’s role in facilitating such crimes.
