New Delhi, March 8 (NationPress) — In a landmark operation against drug trafficking within the railway system, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Central Railway successfully confiscated 43 kilograms of narcotics valued at Rs 12.82 lakh across two distinct operations in Nagpur and Kalaburagi earlier this month. Railway officials disclosed that these operations unveiled a narcotics smuggling network utilizing train routes.

An official press release from Dr. Swapnil Nila stated that the seizures were achieved through focused surveillance and collaborative enforcement actions conducted by RPF teams alongside the Government Railway Police (GRP).

The statement emphasized, “In a significant blow to drug trafficking, the Central Railway’s Railway Protection Force (RPF) dismantled a narcotics smuggling syndicate, seizing 43 kgs of narcotics valued at Rs 12.82 lakh during two distinct operations.”

The first operation took place in Nagpur on February 6, where the RPF team apprehended a suspicious individual while monitoring the railway station. Comprising an Inspector, an Assistant Sub-Inspector, and two RPF officers, they approached a man carrying two bags for inspection.

According to railway authorities, the bags were examined following standard protocol in the presence of witnesses. This search resulted in the discovery of nine packets of ganja, weighing 24.80 kilograms and estimated to be worth Rs 3.72 lakh.

Upon interrogation, the suspect identified himself as Shahid Khan, a resident of Bhind, Madhya Pradesh. He purportedly confessed to transporting the narcotics to Gwalior. Consequently, he was taken into custody and handed over to the Government Railway Police in Nagpur, Maharashtra, along with the confiscated illicit substances for further legal action.

In a separate operation on February 3, RPF personnel executed a joint inspection with the GRP at Kalaburagi station. Acting on credible intelligence, officials scrutinized the Konark Express.

During this search, an unclaimed bag was located beneath berth number 41 in Coach B-1. Upon examination, witnessed by others, the bag was found to contain 18 bundles of ganja weighing 18.20 kilograms, valued at approximately Rs 9.10 lakh.

Officials stated that the seized narcotics were sealed in accordance with regulations, and an inquiry has been initiated against an unidentified individual at the Wadi Police Station.

Railway authorities underscored the collaborative efforts between security agencies in combating drug trafficking along railway routes. The press release highlighted that this operation “demonstrates the outstanding coordination between Central Railway RPF and GRP, reflecting their unwavering dedication to eliminating drug trafficking throughout India’s rail network.”

Passengers are encouraged to stay alert and report any suspicious activities to railway authorities or by calling the railway helpline number 139.