Jaipur, April 8: In a significant operation, the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and Barmer police have dismantled an international drug smuggling network linked to Pakistan. Two smugglers, Salman Khan and Shankar Ram, were arrested during a joint operation, revealing the intricate workings of this clandestine operation.
Salman Khan, the main suspect, disclosed that he had been in contact with a Pakistani handler named Masad from the village of Nimla for the past six months. This connection was facilitated by Rahim Khan, a local resident believed to be related to the handler.
Exploiting Salman’s financial struggles, the Pakistani handler lured him into drug trafficking with promises of substantial financial gain. He introduced Salman to the method of ‘dead drops,’ where drugs are left at predetermined locations for collection.
According to Dinesh M.N., the Additional Director General (Crime) of Rajasthan, the network operated through digital means and GPS tracking. The Pakistani handler communicated via WhatsApp calls, sending GPS locations for Salman to retrieve drugs, often in remote areas near the border or hidden under isolated khejri trees.
Salman would extract packets of drugs buried in the ground. Payments were made either by depositing money into his bank account or hiding cash in specific locations, with subsequent GPS coordinates sent to him.
During questioning, Salman admitted to retrieving five packets of drugs on April 4, located approximately 250 meters from the border, concealed in yellow plastic bags. He also confessed to previously delivering another packet that had been buried months earlier, for which he received a substantial reward in cash.
Investigations revealed that this network has been operational for several years, with similar smuggling activities reported in Barmer’s border villages five to six years ago. The operation was highly secretive, with participants unaware of each other’s identities, and all communications, including chats and locations, were deleted after each transaction.
Currently, police are examining Salman’s mobile data, WhatsApp chats, and financial transactions. Efforts are underway to locate Rahim Khan, and authorities are focused on dismantling the entire network.
ADG Dinesh M.N. also indicated that this network was not solely involved in drug trafficking but was also linked to the smuggling of explosives and illegal weapons. Following these revelations, the Rajasthan ATS, Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), Barmer police, and various intelligence agencies have been placed on high alert.
In response to incoming intelligence, joint teams have conducted multiple raids across Barmer district, detaining several suspects for questioning. Agencies are now searching for locations where weapons or explosives may be hidden.
Based on mobile data and digital evidence, further arrests and significant disclosures are expected in the coming days.
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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