A 46-year-old man in Greater Noida has been arrested for cultivating around 80 cannabis plants inside his rented apartment and allegedly selling the harvest on the dark web. Authorities seized 80 cannabis plants and over 2 kilograms of marijuana during the operation.
This case comes soon after authorities uncovered a meth lab in Greater Noida, raising concerns over drug activities in the area.
The man, identified as Rahul Chaudhary, originally from Meerut and an English graduate, used advanced indoor cultivation techniques to set up the operation. According to police, he sourced premium seeds from an international site, paid for via PayPal, and created a controlled environment with full-spectrum lights and air conditioning to avoid sunlight exposure. He learned these techniques online and reportedly drew inspiration from popular TV series.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Saad Mian Khan reported that Chaudhary spent around ₹5,000-₹7,000 per plant, each of which he sold on the dark web for ₹50,000-₹60,000. Authorities found specialized equipment, chemicals, and air control devices in the apartment.
A tip-off about a drug delivery led police to Chaudhary. When officers raided his apartment, they found a sophisticated setup with plants carefully labeled according to variety. Inspector Anuj Kumar said the setup resembled scenes from a “Hollywood movie.” Police apprehended Chaudhary when he was caught handing a packet to a customer near Kachnar Estate in Greater Noida.
Neighbors had already noticed unusual activity, including late-night gatherings, loud music, and a pervasive smell of marijuana. A neighbor, Aniruddh Singh, who works night shifts, described how Chaudhary’s door was often left ajar, with music blaring through the night. Frequent arguments, including an incident on Diwali, further drew attention.
Last month, a joint operation by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Delhi Police Special Cell exposed a meth lab in Greater Noida linked to the Mexican cartel CJNG, highlighting the area’s growing attraction for drug production. Police note that secluded rental properties, low population density, and proximity to Delhi make the region ideal for concealed drug operations.
Chaudhary, who had previously run an eatery, began exploring cannabis cultivation after his business shut down during the pandemic. He is now facing charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, with ongoing investigations into his network and activities.
