In a major victory against interstate narcotics trafficking, the Anti Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) of the Rajasthan Police apprehended four individuals in two separate operations on Saturday. The crackdown led to the significant seizure of illegal drugs, including opium and poppy husk, highlighting the sophisticated methods employed by smuggling networks.
Opium Milk Concealed in Car's Tail Lights
The first operation was a result of coordinated intelligence and a high-speed chase. Acting on specific inputs from informants in Manipur and Assam's Kokrajhar junction, teams from the ANTF and the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) tracked a white Hyundai Creta. The vehicle was followed from Padrauna in Uttar Pradesh and finally intercepted on the Jaipur-Sikar National Highway after a prolonged pursuit in the Ringas area of Sikar.
Upon searching the car, officers made a clever discovery. The contraband, identified as 20 kilograms and 800 grams of opium milk, was expertly hidden behind the rear light assembly of the vehicle. The car itself was fitted with fake Gujarat registration plates, while counterfeit Assam number plates were found stashed inside the bonnet, pointing to a well-planned operation.
Three men inside the vehicle were arrested. They have been identified as Rakesh Kumar, Rajuram (alias Raju), and Shankar. Investigations revealed that the accused were running frequent trips between Rajasthan and Assam, covering nearly 2,000 kilometres per trip. Drivers were reportedly paid up to Rs 30,000 for each journey.
Personal Tragedies and Criminal Allure
A deeper look into the background of the accused, Rakesh Kumar, revealed a story of personal hardship linked to addiction. He was forced to abandon his studies in Class 12 after his family faced severe financial difficulties due to his father's opium addiction. This vulnerability led him to be recruited into the smuggling network by a local kingpin based in Jodhpur, whose identity is currently protected as the probe continues.
Fellow accused Rajuram, who worked as a ward boy in a Jodhpur hospital, allegedly participated in the smuggling operation while on leave from his job.
Massive Poppy Husk Consignment Intercepted in Bikaner
In a simultaneous second operation, the ANTF successfully intercepted a trailer truck transporting a large consignment of poppy husk, locally known as doda chura. The interception took place in the Seruna area of Bikaner.
Based on intelligence reports suggesting the truck was moving from Jharkhand to Jodhpur, officers monitored its route. Noticing suspicious behaviour, they established a two-tier blockade to stop the vehicle. The search resulted in the seizure of 8 quintals of illegal poppy husk and the arrest of the driver, Surendra Kumar.
A Strong Message from Law Enforcement
Inspector General (IG) of ANTF, Vikas Kumar, highlighted the success of the operations. The seizures mark a significant dent in the supply chain of narcotics into Rajasthan. The use of fake number plates and long-distance routes underscores the evolving challenges faced by enforcement agencies. These arrests are expected to lead to further revelations about the wider network and its operatives across multiple states, including Manipur, Assam, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh.
The Rajasthan Police's crackdown sends a strong message about its commitment to tackling organized drug smuggling. The operations demonstrate the critical role of coordinated intelligence and interstate cooperation in combating such sophisticated criminal networks.
