Major Cocaine Bust at Ranchi Railway Station Leads to Arrest
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has made a significant drug bust at Hatia railway station in Ranchi, arresting a man in possession of a large quantity of cocaine. The operation, which unfolded over Thursday and Friday, resulted in the seizure of 7.5 kilograms of the illegal substance, valued at approximately Rs 3.75 lakh in the illicit market.
Details of the Arrest and Seizure
According to official statements released by the RPF, the accused, identified as Mohan Prasad, aged 60, was apprehended from platform number three of Hatia railway station. Authorities reported that Prasad was observed sitting at the station under suspicious circumstances, which prompted RPF personnel to question him.
During interrogation, Prasad confessed that the bags in his possession contained cocaine. He disclosed that he had received the consignment from Sambalpur in Odisha and was en route to deliver it to Raxaul in Bihar. Prasad is a native of East Champaran district, adding a cross-state dimension to the drug trafficking operation.
Investigation and Implications
The arrest highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking across India's railway networks. The RPF has emphasized that this seizure is part of a broader crackdown on narcotics smuggling, which often utilizes public transport systems for distribution.
Key points from the case include:
- The substantial quantity of cocaine seized, indicating a potentially large-scale trafficking operation.
- The interstate route from Odisha to Bihar, suggesting organized crime involvement.
- The role of vigilant RPF personnel in detecting suspicious behavior leading to the arrest.
Further investigations are underway to uncover the broader network behind this drug consignment, including possible accomplices and sources. The RPF has assured that strict legal action will be taken against Prasad, with charges likely under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.
