Rajasthan Anti Narcotics Task Force Ends Seven-Year Fugitive Hunt with Dramatic Gujarat Arrest
The Rajasthan Anti Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) has successfully apprehended a high-value drug smuggler who had been evading capture for an astonishing seven years. The arrest, which took place on Saturday, marks a significant victory for law enforcement in the ongoing battle against narcotics trafficking across state lines.
Decisive Operation on Vapi-Jalgaon Highway
An elite ANTF team from Rajasthan executed a meticulously planned operation on the road connecting Vapi in Gujarat to Jalgaon in Maharashtra. Acting on precise intelligence, the officers tracked the suspect's movements over several kilometers before making their move. The breakthrough came when they found the fugitive, identified as Rugaram, asleep inside his vehicle, leading to his immediate and uncontested capture.
Profile of the Apprehended Smuggler
Rugaram, a resident of Gida in Rajasthan's Balotra district, had a notorious history of supplying illegal drugs nationwide using his truck as a mobile distribution hub. Officials revealed that his criminal career took a dark turn following a prior incarceration for rape. It was during this prison term that he established connections that later facilitated his entry into large-scale drug trafficking upon release.
Fearing retribution from Rajasthan police, Rugaram had fled to Gujarat, where he believed he could operate with impunity. His capture underscores the ANTF's relentless pursuit and inter-state coordination capabilities.Official Statements and Reward Claimed
ANTF Inspector General Vikas Kumar confirmed the arrest, highlighting that a reward of Rs 25,000 had been placed on Rugaram's head due to his extensive involvement in narcotics distribution. "This arrest sends a clear message that fugitives cannot hide forever. Our teams are committed to tracking down and neutralizing threats to public safety, regardless of jurisdictional boundaries," Kumar stated.
The operation demonstrates the effectiveness of sustained surveillance and intelligence-led policing in combating organized crime networks that exploit regional vulnerabilities.
