Lucknow,

02 July (HS): On Wednesday, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) detained

three suspected members of an interstate gang who were reportedly involved in

the illicit trafficking and supply of oxytocin injections for abuse in milch animals

and crops.

Acting

on a tip-off, the STF raided a residence on Mohan Road near Buddheshwar

crossing in Lucknow's Kakori police station area and confiscated over 5,87,880

ml of oxytocin, worth around Rs 1.20 crore. The three males have been named as

Anmol Pal and Awadhesh Pal, both from Lucknow, and Khageshwar from Sitapur

district, according to the CBI.

Police

also seized Rs 12,000 in cash, 800 empty vials, rubber and aluminum caps,

plastic funnels, pipes, packages of salt, and a transport vehicle. The STF also said that three mobile phones

had been confiscated.

According

to the STF, the gang was obtaining high-density oxytocin disguised as mineral

water shipments from Bihar. Once received, they repackaged it into smaller

ampoules and illegally disseminated it across Lucknow and surrounding

regions. Oxytocin was reportedly used to

artificially promote milk production in calves and speed the development of

fruits and vegetables, posing major health risks to both animals and people,

according to the STF statement. The injections were being diluted and placed

into unauthorized vials in unsanitary settings, the agency said, noting

that their abuse is not only prohibited but exceedingly hazardous. It

went on to say that the samples had been sent to a laboratory to be tested for

contamination and potency.

A

case has been recorded at Kakori police station under relevant sections of the

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including sections 318 (cheating), 280 (making the

atmosphere noxious to health), 276 (drug adulteration), and 112 (petty

organized crime). The STF said that further investigation is being conducted to

identify the Bihar-based supplier and any potential collaborators.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi