Tea seller to luxury cars owner: The dark story of rise and fall of a Punjab drug trader family

The gripping rags-to-riches story of Akash Chopra and his family in Punjab sheds light on the dark world of drug smuggling and the lure of quick wealth for some. As per a report in TOI, Akash, a 32-year-old tea seller, led an average life, working at a parking lot and running a tea stall with his father at the Ludhiana courts complex. However, in 2017, he decided to venture into drug peddling as a side business to make a fortune.

Within a remarkably short time of just three months, Akash, along with his wife Alisha Chopra and brother Bunny Chopra, had acquired a house in Tibba and a fleet of luxury cars.

However, their illicit journey came to an abrupt end when the Punjab Special Task Force (STF) arrested all three family members involved in the drug nexus. Akash was apprehended on June 25, 2022, while carrying 1.25 kg of heroin and a scooter to deliver to his client. Following his arrest, the STF uncovered Rs 8 lakh in drug money, along with several vehicles, including a Toyota Fortuner, a Mercedes, two Maruti Swift cars, Hyundai Accent, Lancer, Gypsy, Royal Enfield, and Alto, all owned by Akash and his relatives.


During interrogation, Akash revealed that Bunny, who was already imprisoned for an attempted murder case, had aided him from inside the jail using a mobile phone. Bunny facilitated the acquisition of an illegal .32 bore pistol for Akash, leading to its eventual recovery. The STF's investigation also unveiled the family's links with Amritsar-based smugglers, from whom they procured heroin for distribution to their customers within and outside Ludhiana. To avoid police scrutiny, Alisha often accompanied Akash during the transportation of heroin.

Despite the family's brief taste of success, the consequences of their illegal activities caught up with them. Alisha, wanted by the STF for a year, was apprehended after fleeing to Nepal. Akash and Bunny were already behind bars, facing the repercussions of their involvement in the drug trade.

The tale of the Chopra family serves as a stark reminder of the destructive impact of drug trafficking on individuals, families, and communities, and how the allure of quick wealth can lead to a swift downfall.