Kolkata, August 30: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) conducted a raid at Howrah Station on Sunday, leading to the arrest of an individual with 22.64 kilograms of cannabis.
This operation is part of the central government’s ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ aimed at combating drug trafficking, executed by Eastern Railway (ER).
A senior official reported, “Following intelligence about drug trafficking at the station, the RPF’s Crime Intelligence Branch (CIB), along with local RPF officers, launched a thorough investigation. During the operation, RPF sniffer dog ‘Marco’ identified a light blue trolley bag belonging to a passenger heading towards platform number 8.”
The passenger was immediately detained for questioning. He was identified as 22-year-old Rabiyaal, originally from Cooch Behar in West Bengal, currently residing in the northwestern region of Delhi.
The official added, “In the presence of senior officers and independent witnesses, the trolley bag was searched. Eleven packets wrapped in tape were recovered from the bag, totaling 22.64 kilograms of cannabis. A mobile phone and other personal items were also confiscated from the accused.”
During interrogation, the accused failed to produce any valid license, permit, or legal documents related to the possession or transportation of cannabis. Consequently, he was arrested by the Howrah Government Railway Police (GRP).
The arrest was made under the relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985.
Railway authorities have been instructed to maintain special surveillance on trains operating from states like Tripura and Odisha, where drug trafficking is suspected. Additionally, trains arriving from certain northeastern states connected to international borders are also under strict observation.
Recently, the RPF and GRP seized 42 kilograms of cannabis from a coach of the Agartala-Anand Vihar Tejas Rajdhani Express at Malda Town Station, resulting in the arrest of three individuals. Investigations revealed that the accused were transporting the cannabis for sale in Bihar.
An official stated, “Interrogation of the individual arrested at Howrah Station is ongoing to determine the source of the cannabis and his intended destination. He may be part of a larger trafficking network. Assistance from Delhi police and other agencies will be sought in this matter.”
Eastern Railway’s General Manager Geetika Pandey praised the operation and urged officials to remain vigilant against crime in railway premises and trains.
Ameya Nandan Sinha, IG-cum-Chief Security Commissioner of Eastern Railway, also commended the efforts to curb illegal drug trafficking.
Shivram Majhi, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Eastern Railway, stated, “Eastern Railway adheres to a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal activities across all station premises and is committed to ensuring safe travel for passengers.”
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