Rajasthan Police Expose Cross-Border Smuggling Route for Drugs and Weapons
In a significant breakthrough, Rajasthan Police have uncovered a cross-border smuggling route from Pakistan that was used to transport 5 kilograms of methamphetamine into Barmer. Authorities now suspect this same clandestine pathway may have been utilized to move explosives and illegal weapons into India, posing a serious threat to national security.
Arrests Reveal International Network
The investigation began with the arrest of two individuals, Salman Khan and Shankar Ram, on Monday. They were apprehended in possession of the methamphetamine. During intensive interrogation, the accused made startling claims that pointed to a highly secretive international network operating across the border.
Police Additional Director General MN stated that the disclosures from the arrested men indicated the smuggling route was not limited to narcotics. "This network appears to have broader, more dangerous objectives," he emphasized.
Security Forces on High Alert
Following the interrogation inputs, a multi-agency security alert was activated. The Rajasthan Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), the Anti Gangster Task Force (AGTF), Barmer Police, and various intelligence agencies have been mobilized to investigate the matter thoroughly.
Officials confirmed that raids were conducted at multiple locations across the district. Several suspects have been detained for questioning in a coordinated effort led by ATS and AGTF officers, with support from intelligence agencies.
Digital Operations and Payment Methods
Investigators detailed the sophisticated modus operandi employed by the alleged smugglers. Salman Khan, a resident of Sajjan Ka Par in Barmer, reportedly had direct contact for the past six months with a handler identified as Masad from Neemla village in Pakistan.
The contact was facilitated by Rahim Khan, a relative of Masad who also resides in Salman's village. The operation relied heavily on digital, location-based instructions:
- Salman allegedly received Google Maps coordinates through WhatsApp calls.
- These coordinates directed him to isolated spots near the border, including areas close to BSF restrictions or under lone trees.
- He would dig at the marked points to retrieve concealed packets.
Payments were handled through equally covert methods. Money was allegedly deposited in instalments into an Airtel Payments Bank account. For larger consignments, cash was buried at secret locations and collected based on phone instructions. Salman claimed that three months ago, he collected a substantial buried payment in exchange for moving a packet between concealed points.
Specific Incident and Recovery
Police revealed that the five packets of methamphetamine were recovered on April 4. Salman allegedly dug them out from beneath a tree approximately 250 metres from the border, following coordinates sent by Masad. The packets were buried in a distinctive yellow plastic sack.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Investigation
Investigators expressed concern that handlers across the border may be attempting not only to push narcotics into India but also to disturb peace and public order through the supply of explosives and weapons. This dual-purpose smuggling route represents a significant security challenge.
Police officials have indicated that further arrests and recoveries are likely as the investigation progresses. The joint efforts of Rajasthan ATS, AGTF, and intelligence agencies continue to probe the full extent of this international network, aiming to dismantle it completely and prevent future threats.
