Visakhapatnam Express Drug Seizure: In a major breakthrough against inter-state narcotics smuggling, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in Nabinagar, Aurangabad, successfully intercepted a massive consignment of contraband.
Operating under the specialized anti-drug initiative ‘Operation Narcos,’ security personnel recovered 29.007 kilograms of high-grade ganja (cannabis) from a train.
According to official estimates, the market value of the seized illegal substance is pegged at approximately Rs 14,50,350.
The entire consignment was found packed inside unclaimed luggage in an air-conditioned coach of Train No. 18523 (Up) Visakhapatnam Express.
Following the successful recovery, the RPF team handed over the seized narcotics to the Government Railroad Police (GRP) in Sonnagar for further statutory procedures and extensive legal action.
The Strategic Crackdown Under ‘Operation Narcos’
Visakhapatnam Express Drug Seizure: As per the details shared by the railway authorities, the operation was executed with high precision following a period of heightened vigilance regarding cross-border drug trafficking networks.
On Monday, a dedicated RPF Nabinagar team was conducting a stringent special search and verification drive at the Nabinagar railway station.
The operation was carried out under the direct supervision and leadership of Inspector In-Charge Ram Vilas Ram, along with Sub-Inspector Jai Prakash Prasad and a vigilant team of constables.
Security officials maintained a strong presence as Train No. 18523 Visakhapatnam Express pulled into platform number two.
Based on tactical intelligence and routine profiling of long-distance trains, the team stepped up inside the B-1 coach (Third AC) for a thorough and meticulous search.
Discovery of Unclaimed Luxury Bags Inside the B-1 Coach
Visakhapatnam Express Drug Seizure: During the rigorous inspection of the B-1 coach, the security personnel spotted two highly suspicious bags left unattended near the passenger seating area.
The baggage consisted of a brown trolley bag and a blue hanging backpack, both positioned in a manner that raised immediate red flags.
According to media reports, the RPF team promptly inquired among the passengers present in the coach to establish ownership of the luggage.
However, despite repeated queries, no passenger came forward to claim the bags. Sensing a deliberate attempt at smuggling, the team treated the luggage as abandoned and proceeded with an on-the-spot preliminary inspection.
How the Visakhapatnam Express Drug Seizure Unfolded: 12 Packets Unearthed
Upon opening the two unclaimed bags, security officials discovered a total of 12 systematically packed bundles wrapped heavily in industrial cello tape to mask the odor and prevent detection. The distribution of the contraband across the two bags was recorded as follows:
- The Brown Trolley Bag: Contained exactly six neatly sealed packets, weighing a total of 14.403 kilograms.
- The Blue Hanging Backpack: Also contained six similarly sealed packets, weighing a total of 14.604 kilograms.
Combined, the total weight of the recovered cannabis stood at 29.007 kilograms.
Local administrative authorities confirmed that the meticulous packaging strongly pointed toward the involvement of an organized drug syndicate.
Strict Adherence to NDPS Act Protocols and Investigation
To ensure absolute legal compliance and prevent any loopholes, the RPF immediately summoned the local administrative machinery. The seizure process was conducted in the direct presence of Nabinagar Circle Officer (CO) Nikhat Parveen.
According to official sources, a formal seizure list was prepared at around 11:30 AM under the strict statutory provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Following the completion of documentation at the spot, Inspector In-Charge Ram Vilas Ram took formal custody of the contraband.
Subsequently, a detailed written complaint was drafted by the RPF Nabinagar unit.
The seized cannabis, along with the officially verified case files, was safely transferred to the GRP Sonnagar station, which holds the jurisdiction to register criminal cases of this nature.
Sourcing the Smuggling Route: From Odisha to Bihar
Preliminary intelligence gathering and routing analysis by investigative agencies indicate that this massive drug supply chain originated in Odisha and was destined for various consumption hubs across Bihar.
Long-distance trains passing through these routes have recently become a target for traffickers attempting to move bulk quantities of narcotics across state lines without drawing attention.
The GRP Sonnagar has officially registered a criminal case under relevant sections of the NDPS Act and has launched an expansive, multi-angle investigation.
Local police teams are currently scanning passenger reservation charts, charting data for Coach B-1, and retrieving CCTV footage from major boarding stations along the route to identify the couriers who boarded the train with the heavy baggage.
Conclusion: A Significant Blow to the Narcotics Network
The Visakhapatnam Express Drug Seizure highlights the growing efficacy of the RPF’s ‘Operation Narcos’ in making the railway network hostile ground for drug cartels.
By intercepting a premium consignment worth over Rs 14.5 lakh before it could hit the black market, law enforcement agencies have dealt a severe blow to local distribution networks.
Railway authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining zero tolerance against drug trafficking, urging passengers to report any suspicious or abandoned luggage immediately.
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