The official order, dated September 14, outlines the procurement of an advanced integrated digital voice logger valued at ₹10.5 lakh for the surveillance
The Uttar Pradesh government has approved a budget of ₹73.5 lakh to bolster the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) with new digital voice recorders and computer systems aimed at improving surveillance on drug traffickers. This initiative aligns with the state’s ongoing efforts to combat drug-related crimes across Uttar Pradesh.
The official order, dated September 14, outlines the procurement of an advanced integrated digital voice logger valued at ₹10.5 lakh for the surveillance cell at the ANTF headquarters in Lucknow. According to a senior government official, this technology upgrade will significantly enhance the electronic surveillance capabilities of the ANTF. The integrated digital voice logger features a robust recording system capable of capturing and preserving audio communications in various settings, including call centers and public safety operations. The system will utilize a primary rate interface (PRI) line, which allows traditional phone lines to handle multiple voice and data connections simultaneously.
In addition to the primary logger, the government has approved 14 more integrated digital voice loggers, each equipped with a single PRI line, to strengthen surveillance systems at six ANTF police stations and eight operation units across the state. Each of these voice loggers costs ₹3 lakh, totaling ₹42 lakh for the entire purchase. Furthermore, the ANTF will receive 14 advanced computer systems for mobile data analysis, each costing ₹1.5 lakh, amounting to ₹21 lakh in total.
Since its establishment, the ANTF has made significant strides in addressing drug trafficking in Uttar Pradesh. Between 2022 and 2024, the task force registered 187 cases, resulting in the arrest of 469 individuals linked to drug crimes. During this period, ANTF seized 20,384.91 kg of illegal drugs, valued at ₹175 crore, including various substances such as morphine, heroin, hashish, opium, and ganja.
In 2024 alone, the ANTF has recorded 91 cases, leading to 190 arrests and the seizure of multiple drug types. Notable recoveries this year include 1.78 kg of morphine, 13.93 kg of heroin, and 6,467.01 kg of ganja, amounting to a total of 9,988.86 kg of narcotics valued at ₹98.49 crore.
This budget allocation and the accompanying upgrades are part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance law enforcement capabilities in the fight against drug trafficking and related offenses.
