UP STF busts interstate Oxytocin racket, seizes ₹1.2 crore worth of illegal stock

The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) on Wednesday successfully dismantled an interstate racket involved in the illegal trafficking and supply of oxytocin injections, used for misuse in milch animals and vegetables. Acting on a crucial tip-off, the STF conducted a raid at a house on Mohan Road near Buddheshwar crossing in Lucknow's Kakori police station area, leading to the arrest of three suspected gang members and the seizure of a substantial amount of illegal stock.

During the raid, the STF confiscated approximately 5,87,880 ml of oxytocin, with an estimated market value of ₹1.20 crore. The arrested individuals have been identified as Anmol Pal and Awadhesh Pal, both residents of Lucknow, and Khageshwar from Sitapur district. In addition to the oxytocin, police recovered ₹12,000 in cash, 800 empty vials, rubber and aluminum caps, plastic funnels, pipes, packets of salt, and a transport vehicle, along with three mobile phones, indicating a well-organized operation.

According to the STF, the gang was procuring high-density oxytocin from Bihar, often disguised as mineral water parcels. Once received, they would repackage the substance into smaller, unlicensed vials under unhygienic conditions for illegal distribution in Lucknow and surrounding districts. The STF highlighted that this oxytocin was allegedly being misused to artificially stimulate milk production in cattle and to accelerate the growth of fruits and vegetables, posing serious health hazards to both animals and humans. The samples have been sent for laboratory testing to verify contamination and potency, and a case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Further investigation is underway to identify the Bihar-based suppliers and other potential accomplices involved in this illicit trade.