Udaipur: Smugglers Open Fire on Police During Dramatic Chase, Abandon Rs 1 Crore Opium Haul
In a high-stakes confrontation in Rajasthan's Pratapgarh district, narcotics smugglers fired up to 15 rounds at police officers who were pursuing them early Monday morning. The incident unfolded in the Dhariyawad area, where the suspects eventually abandoned their vehicle containing opium poppy husk valued at over Rs 1 crore before fleeing into a forested region.
Police Blockade Triggered Violent Response
According to Pratapgarh Superintendent of Police B Aditya, the district special team (DST) received intelligence about a suspicious pickup vehicle heading towards Dhariyawad. Acting swiftly, Dhariyawad Station House Officer Hazarilal and DST in-charge Pratap Singh's team established a blockade at Pachaguda around 4 a.m.
When the vehicle was spotted with two men inside and signaled to stop, one of the occupants brandished a pistol, broke through the police barrier, and accelerated towards the Aarampura jungle. The police team immediately initiated a pursuit, prompting the smugglers to fire approximately 15 rounds at the officers in a desperate attempt to evade capture.
Retaliatory Fire Leads to Abandoned Contraband
As the chase intensified, police returned fire in self-defense. Under pressure, the smugglers abandoned their pickup vehicle approximately 10 kilometers ahead in a densely forested area and escaped on foot. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a substantial narcotics cache.
Police recovered 38 sacks containing over 762 kilograms of opium poppy husk, along with one live cartridge. The estimated street value of the seized opium exceeds Rs 1 crore, marking a significant interception in the region's anti-narcotics efforts.
Manhunt Underway as Case Registered
Dhariyawad police have officially registered a case in connection with the incident. A comprehensive search operation is currently underway to locate and apprehend the fleeing suspects. Authorities are investigating the smuggling network and the intended destination of the narcotics consignment.
This brazen attack on law enforcement highlights the escalating risks faced by police in combating organized narcotics trafficking in the region. The recovery of such a large quantity of opium husk underscores the ongoing challenges in curbing drug smuggling activities through Rajasthan.
