Noida: Noida Police have busted an alleged cannabis supply network that used WhatsApp orders, digital payments and delivery-style packaging to distribute ganja across Delhi-NCR. Two men have been arrested, and police have recovered 12.2 kg of cannabis, a motorcycle, two mobile phones and 42 printed packets.
According to police, the accused allegedly supplied cannabis to customers living in flats, paying guest accommodations, hostels and college areas. Small packets carrying the names of online delivery companies were reportedly used to make the consignments appear like routine deliveries.
At a press briefing at the Noida Police Headquarters, DCP Preeti Yadav said Sector 58 Police arrested Sumit Raghav on November 4 near the Medicine Cut area in Sector 57. The action was based on local intelligence and beat policing inputs. During a search, police found several small packets in his bag. On examination, these were found to contain 1.9 kg of leafy cannabis.
How Did the WhatsApp-Based Supply Network Operate?
During questioning, Sumit allegedly told investigators that he obtained cannabis from his associate Manish Kumar Jha. He would contact prospective customers through WhatsApp, receive their locations and arrange deliveries to flats, PG accommodations, hostels and college areas across Delhi-NCR.
Police said payments received from the alleged sales were transferred online to Manish. The accused reportedly packed cannabis in small quantities of around 25 to 30 grams, using printed packaging associated with online delivery companies to make the parcels appear less suspicious during transportation.
Technical Engineer Allegedly Identified as Main Supplier
Based on information provided during questioning, police traced Manish Kumar Jha and arrested him near ESI Colony in Sector 56, Noida. A further 10.3 kg of cannabis was allegedly recovered from his possession.
According to police, Manish, who is a technical engineer by profession, was the main supplier in the network. Investigators have also identified another alleged associate, Amit, who is currently lodged in a Guwahati jail in connection with a separate cannabis trafficking case.
Two Arrested, 42 Printed Packets Recovered
Police identified the arrested men as Sumit Raghav, 36, originally from Bhojpur village in Sambhal district and currently residing in Saraswati Vihar, Khoda Colony, Ghaziabad; and Manish Kumar Jha, 33, originally from Kalyanpur village in Samastipur district, Bihar, and currently residing in Sainik Vihar, Khoda Colony, Ghaziabad.
The total recovery includes 12.2 kg of cannabis, a Splendor motorcycle bearing registration number UP16EK-8771, a Realme mobile phone, a Redmi mobile phone and 42 printed packets.
Case Registered Under NDPS Act
A case has been registered at Sector 58 Police Station under FIR No. 385/2026, invoking Sections 8 and 20 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Police are examining the accused persons’ mobile phones, WhatsApp contacts and online payment records to identify other people who may be connected to the alleged supply network. DCP Preeti Yadav confirmed the arrests and recoveries, adding that further investigation is underway.
