A 46-year-old man from Greater Noida was arrested after authorities uncovered an extensive cannabis cultivation operation in his rented apartment. The illegal farm, which was hidden within a housing society, had at least 80 cannabis plants. Investigators say the man used the dark web to distribute his product, further highlighting the region’s growing challenges with illegal drug trade.
How the Cannabis ‘Nursery’ Operated
Rahul Chaudhary, a post-graduate from Meerut, created what authorities are calling a sophisticated “cannabis nursery” inside his 10th-floor flat. Law enforcement officials were initially tipped off about drug activity in the area. When they raided the apartment, they discovered not just a few plants but a well-equipped indoor farm that resembled a professional cultivation setup.
The police found a mix of high-grade cannabis plants, including the OG strain, along with over 2 kilograms of cannabis. They also seized chemicals, fertilizers, and temperature-regulating machines — all indicators that Chaudhary was using advanced techniques to grow the cannabis.
The Dark Web Link
Chaudhary’s cannabis operation wasn’t just local; he allegedly sold the product on the dark web, where buyers pay top dollar for premium strains. Police confirmed that Chaudhary sourced his seeds from an international supplier, using PayPal for transactions. The plants cost him approximately Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,000 to grow, while each plant was sold for up to Rs 60,000 to buyers on the dark web.
Police say Chaudhary’s cannabis operation was well hidden, making it harder to detect by traditional means. His apartment, located in Greater Noida’s Parsvnath Panorama Society, was meticulously organized, with each cannabis plant labeled by strain, and the cultivation area set up to maximize production.
Growing in a Pandemic Economy
Chaudhary’s entry into the cannabis trade reportedly began during the COVID-19 pandemic. When his eatery in Greater Noida shut down due to lockdowns, he turned to the dark web to explore new ways of earning. With limited options, Chaudhary’s decision to cultivate cannabis was driven by both opportunity and necessity.
What started as an online hobby quickly escalated into an illegal enterprise. With access to detailed growing guides, Chaudhary used his newly acquired knowledge to build a cannabis operation right in his apartment, unbeknownst to the neighbors and local authorities.
A Rising Concern in Greater Noida
The arrest of Chaudhary is the latest in a string of drug-related busts in Greater Noida. Just weeks earlier, authorities uncovered a methamphetamine lab, and similar illegal activities have been on the rise in the area. The police are now focusing on the broader network of suppliers and buyers connected to Chaudhary’s dark web operations.
