In a significant crackdown on narcotics smuggling, the Ratangarh police in Rajasthan's Churu district executed a major operation leading to the seizure of a large quantity of opium and the arrest of a truck driver. The incident occurred on Sunday when vigilant police personnel intercepted a suspicious vehicle on the mega highway.
Major Drug Haul During Highway Patrol
According to Ratangarh Station House Officer (SHO) Gaurav Khidiya, the police team was conducting routine patrolling near the Malasar toll plaza. During this surveillance, their attention was drawn to a truck approaching from the Ratangarh side. Acting on suspicion, the officers decided to stop and thoroughly search the vehicle.
The search yielded a substantial illegal consignment. The police discovered six packets containing a total of 16.195 kilograms of opium. The narcotics were cleverly concealed within the truck's stepney (spare tyre), a common hiding spot used by smugglers to avoid detection during routine checks.
Arrest and Details of the Accused
Following the recovery, the police immediately took the driver into custody. The arrested individual has been identified as 32-year-old Ghanshyam Kumawat, a resident of Dhamniya Jagir in Pratapgarh district. Preliminary investigations revealed that Kumawat was transporting the illicit drugs in an empty truck.
The police have reported that the accused was on a specific route. He was driving the empty truck from the state of Gujarat and his intended destination was Hanumangarh in Rajasthan. The interception by the Ratangarh police unit thwarted the planned delivery of the narcotics.
Value of Seizure and Legal Action
The total market value of the confiscated contraband and the vehicle used in the crime is estimated to be a staggering approximately 81 lakh rupees (₹81,00,000). This valuation underscores the scale of the illegal operation that has been disrupted.
As part of the standard legal procedure, the police have impounded the truck as case property. A formal case has been registered against Ghanshyam Kumawat under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. He is currently in police custody as investigations continue to uncover possible links to larger drug networks and the intended recipients of the opium.
This successful operation highlights the continued vigilance of the Rajasthan Police on state highways and their commitment to combating the drug trade. Such interceptions are crucial in cutting supply chains and preventing dangerous substances from reaching communities.
