In a significant bust in Greater Noida, authorities arrested a man who was cultivating cannabis in his 10th-floor apartment and selling it through the dark web. The discovery of the operation involved the seizure of 80 cannabis plants and over 2 kilograms of cannabis.
A High-Tech Cannabis Operation
Rahul Chaudhary, a 46-year-old English graduate from Meerut, set up a sophisticated cannabis cultivation operation in his luxury apartment at Parsvnath Panorama, a high-end housing society. Police discovered that Chaudhary had been growing the plants for nearly six months, using advanced cultivation techniques, including aeroponics — a method of growing without soil, relying instead on air and nutrients.
The setup in his flat was fully controlled, with specialized equipment regulating temperature, lighting, and humidity, creating optimal conditions for cannabis cultivation. Police found around 80 plants, alongside over 2 kilograms of cannabis, including 163.4 grams of high-grade “OG” strain cannabis. The high-quality crop was reportedly sold online, fetching upwards of ₹60,000 for a 30-gram yield.
Online Research, Dark Web Sales
Chaudhary’s cannabis cultivation wasn’t limited to local distribution. Authorities discovered that he had procured seeds from international websites, using encrypted messaging apps and dark web platforms to communicate with buyers. By operating in the shadows of the internet, Chaudhary managed to avoid detection for months, using the dark web to facilitate his illegal trade.
The cost to cultivate a single plant ranged from ₹5,000 to ₹7,000, but the profits were high. Each plant produced premium cannabis that could be sold for substantial amounts, turning the operation into a lucrative venture for Chaudhary.
From Web Series to Reality
Interestingly, Chaudhary’s inspiration for this cannabis operation came from web series and crime dramas, where he reportedly saw characters using sophisticated techniques for illegal activities. Drawing on these fictional portrayals, he researched cannabis cultivation techniques online, which eventually led to the setup in his apartment.
Authorities have now filed a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and investigations are ongoing to uncover the full scope of Chaudhary’s network and links to larger dark web trafficking operations.
