Major Drug Bust in Rajasthan: ANTF and Barmer Police Nab Wanted Trafficker
In a significant crackdown on interstate narcotics trafficking, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) and Barmer police conducted a coordinated operation on Wednesday, resulting in the arrest of a high-profile trafficker and his associate. The operation, codenamed 'Operation Mona Return', led to the apprehension of Jaswant, also known as Jasiya, who carried a reward of Rs 30,000, and Narayanram from Baldev Nagar in Barmer city.
Details of the Arrest and Recoveries
Acting on specific intelligence, the joint team launched the operation under the guidance of Additional Director General MN Dinesh. Police recovered substantial evidence from the accused, including a luxury vehicle, a pistol with 55 cartridges, Rs 10.76 lakh in cash, approximately 440 grams of opium milk, and three mobile phones from Jaswant. From Narayanram, who had a reward of Rs 5,000 on his head, authorities seized a Scorpio vehicle and a mobile phone.
ANTF Inspector General Vikas Kumar stated that the team received credible information indicating Jaswant was in Baldev Nagar and preparing to transport doda post from Chittorgarh. This tip-off prompted the swift and decisive action that culminated in the arrests.
Background of the Accused Trafficker
Jaswant, a resident of the Baytu police station area, has a long and notorious history in criminal activities. Known by multiple aliases such as Jasraj, Jaswant, Jasaram, and Jasiya, he initially worked as a driver after completing Class 12 before venturing into the illegal liquor trade and eventually narcotics trafficking. Investigators revealed that he operated extensive supply routes from Chittorgarh and Pratapgarh to Jodhpur, Barmer, and surrounding regions.
His criminal record dates back to 2005 when the first NDPS case was registered against him. Since then, he has faced multiple prosecutions, with around 15 cases filed against him from 2010 onwards. By 2024, rewards totaling approximately Rs 1.10 lakh had been announced for his arrest by authorities in three different locations.
Previous Escapes and Legal History
Jaswant's ability to evade capture has been notable. He was previously arrested in June 2024 but later obtained a 30-day interim bail citing his wife's illness after spending about nine months in jail. However, he failed to return to prison on April 23, 2025, and went absconding. Police allege that he kept illegal weapons and in earlier cases, two pistols with magazines and 63 live cartridges were recovered from him.
Officials reported that Jaswant had previously escaped police custody after firing at officers, injuring personnel at locations including Gudha Endla, Tibbi, and Devgarh, before breaking through blockades. The recent arrest was facilitated by detailed information provided by one of his associates to the ANTF, which aided in planning the successful raid.
This operation marks a critical victory in the ongoing efforts to combat narcotics trafficking in the region, highlighting the effectiveness of coordinated law enforcement actions.
