After Bengaluru Couple, Noida Man Arrested For Growing 'OG' Cannabis In Flat; Used Dark Web To Get Seeds

Chaudhary allegedly ordered seeds from international websites and used encrypted messaging platforms to communicate with buyers to avoid detection. He also used the dark web for his operations.

A man has been arrested for illegally cultivating cannabis in his apartment in a housing society in Greater Noida, police said. Rahul Chaudhary, an English graduate, was crowing the cannabis in small planters on the balcony of his 10th-floor flat in Parsvnath Panorama Society.

Police have seized 80 ganja plants along with over 2 kg of cannabis and 163.4 grams of high-grade 'OG' cannabis from the residence, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Greater Noida) Saad Miya Khan said.

Accused Was Inspired By Web Series

Chaudhary, who is a resident of Meerut, had been cultivating cannabis for about six months. He was inspired by web series and crime dramas to get into the illegal cultivation of the contraband in his apartment, the police officer said.

Chaudhary was held near the P-3 roundabout in the Beta-2 area by the local Beta-2 police station officials along with those from Ecotech-1 police station and in coordination with the Anti-Narcotics Team of the district, Khan said.

"The accused was utilising advanced aeroponic techniques, which he learned through online resources, to cultivate cannabis in a fully controlled environment. He had invested in specialised equipment to regulate temperature, lighting and humidity within the flat, creating ideal conditions for growing cannabis without soil," DCP Khan said.

How The High-Tech Racket Worked?

Chaudhary allegedly ordered seeds from international websites and used encrypted messaging platforms to communicate with buyers to avoid detection. He also used the dark web for his operations.

"The setup would cost between Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,000 per plant, yielding high-quality cannabis that sold for upwards of Rs 60,000 per 30-gram yield. Various fertilisers, pesticides, packaging items and digital scales were among the items confiscated during the police raid, indicating a well-planned operation," the DCP said.

A case has been filed under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. A detailed investigation into the links and network of the accused is also ongoing, the police officer added.