Major Drug Haul at Trichy Railway Junction
In a significant anti-narcotics operation, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) intercepted a large consignment of cannabis at the Trichy railway junction. The seizure, which took place in the early hours of Saturday, led to the confiscation of 36 kilograms of ganja with an estimated street value of Rs 18 lakh.
Midnight Surveillance Leads to Discovery
The operation was spearheaded by a special team under the leadership of Sub-Inspector S Saravanan from the RPF's bomb detection squad. The team was conducting routine surveillance when the train number 12663 Howrah-Trichy Superfast Express arrived at platform number 8 around 3 am.
During their inspection, officials noticed four travel bags that appeared to be abandoned. Upon closer examination, they discovered the bags contained a total of 16 bundles packed with the illicit substance. The sheer quantity indicated a major smuggling attempt.
Smugglers Evade Capture
Authorities believe the individuals transporting the drugs likely abandoned the bags upon spotting the RPF personnel. The presence of the vigilant security team on the platform seems to have forced the smugglers to flee, leaving the contraband behind in an attempt to avoid arrest.
The quick and alert action by SI Saravanan's team prevented the drugs from reaching their intended destination. The Narcotics Intelligence Bureau (NIB) unit of the Trichy city police has now taken custody of the seized ganja for further investigation.
Ongoing Investigation and Vigilance
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of drug smuggling via the Indian railway network. The RPF has intensified its surveillance and checks on long-distance trains, especially those arriving during late-night and early-morning hours, which are often exploited by traffickers.
The case has been formally handed over to the NIB, which will lead the probe to trace the source of the narcotics and identify the individuals involved in the smuggling racket. Such coordinated efforts between the RPF and local narcotics bureaus are crucial in combating the drug trade.
