Patna, August 31: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) conducted significant operations at Saharsa railway station on Monday, seizing 14.02 kilograms of cannabis and 18.75 liters of foreign liquor.
An RPF officer reported that this operation was part of a larger crackdown on drug and alcohol trafficking via trains. The first seizure occurred on August 30 when the RPF received a tip about an abandoned bag on train number 15509, the Rajya Rani Express, through the ‘Rail Help’ service.
Following this information, Saharsa RPF post commander Dhananjay Kumar directed Assistant Sub-Inspector Sunil Kumar Pandey, Sub-Inspector Sujit Kumar Mishra, and Constable Sanjay Kumar to search the train. Upon suspicion that the bag contained narcotics, the excise department was also notified. When the train arrived at platform number 1 at Saharsa station, RPF personnel searched coach D-04 and discovered 14.02 kilograms of cannabis in the abandoned bag.
After completing the necessary legal formalities, the excise department took possession of the seized cannabis, which has an estimated value of around ₹7 lakh.
In a separate operation, the RPF received intelligence from the crime intelligence branch in Samastipur regarding suspected liquor smuggling on train number 15566, the Vaishali Express.
Acting on this information, Commander Dhananjay Kumar alerted the RPF escort team stationed between Manasi and Lalitgram, instructing them to maintain close surveillance. The Vaishali Express arrived at Saharsa railway station at approximately 11:14 PM. Based on the escort team’s intelligence, RPF personnel searched the electric box on the roof of general coach number 255975/C.
During the search, they uncovered 25 bottles of foreign liquor (Royal Stag) hidden inside the box. The total volume of the seized liquor was 18.75 liters, estimated to be worth around ₹25,000.
The seized liquor was subsequently handed over to the Saharsa excise department for further action. The RPF stated that both seizure cases have been referred to the excise department, and legal proceedings are ongoing.
These operations reflect the increasing vigilance of railway security personnel in combating drug and alcohol trafficking through trains.
Leave a Comment