LUCKNOW, June 8 -- In two significant anti-narcotics operations, the Uttar Pradesh Anti Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) arrested nine alleged drug traffickers and seized narcotic substances along with precursor chemicals valued at over Rs.2.25 crore from Sambhal and Firozabad districts, officials said in press statements released to the media on Monday.

In the larger of the two operations, the ANTF's Lucknow unit arrested four alleged traffickers and seized 628.65 kg of acetic anhydride, a precursor chemical estimated to be worth around Rs.1.60 crore, from a container truck in Sambhal district. Acetic anhydride is a crucial ingredient commonly used in the illegal production of heroin and other narcotic drugs.

The arrested accused were ident...