Major Drug Bust at Ranchi Railway Station: RPF Seizes 18 Kg Cocaine
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has made a significant breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on narcotics trafficking with the arrest of two individuals, including a woman, at Ranchi railway station. The operation, conducted under the specialized Operation Narcos initiative, led to the seizure of a substantial 18 kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated street value of approximately Rs 9 lakh.
Details of the Arrest and Seizure
According to an official statement released by the RPF on Thursday, the arrests took place on Wednesday during a routine inspection at platform number 1 of Ranchi railway station. The RPF team, acting on heightened vigilance as part of Operation Narcos, grew suspicious of two passengers who were waiting at the platform. Upon questioning, the individuals identified themselves as Raju Kumar and Chhoti Kumari, both residents of Rohtas district in Bihar.
During the interrogation, the accused confessed that the bags they were carrying contained cocaine. A thorough search confirmed the presence of the illicit substance, leading to their immediate apprehension. The contraband was being transported from Sambalpur in Odisha to Rohtas in Bihar, highlighting a cross-state drug trafficking route that authorities are now investigating further.
Operation Narcos and Law Enforcement Response
This seizure is a direct result of the RPF's intensified efforts under Operation Narcos, a targeted campaign designed to curb the flow of narcotics through railway networks across India. The operation focuses on:
- Enhanced surveillance and inspection at key railway stations
- Training personnel to identify suspicious behavior and contraband
- Collaboration with other law enforcement agencies for comprehensive action
Following the arrest, the RPF handed over the accused to the Government Railway Police (GRP) for further legal proceedings. This transfer ensures that the case will be pursued under relevant narcotics laws, with potential charges that could include possession and trafficking of controlled substances.
Implications and Broader Context
The seizure of 18 kg of cocaine underscores the persistent challenge of drug trafficking in regions like Bihar and Odisha, where such activities often exploit railway systems for transportation. Authorities have noted that this bust is one of the larger cocaine seizures in recent months, pointing to the need for continued vigilance and inter-agency cooperation.
Experts suggest that such operations are crucial in disrupting supply chains and deterring future trafficking attempts. The RPF has reiterated its commitment to maintaining security on railways and preventing the misuse of this public infrastructure for illegal activities.
