RPF seizes 14 kg cannabis, 18.75 litres of liquor from two trains in Bihar’s Saharsa
Patna, Aug 31 (IANS) In a major crackdown on the smuggling of narcotics and liquor through trains, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) seized 14.02 kg of cannabis and 18.75 litres of foreign liquor during separate operations at Saharsa Railway Station, an official said on Monday.
The total estimated value of the seized contraband is around Rs 7.25 lakh.
According to the RPF, the first seizure followed information received through the “Rail Madad” service on August 30 regarding an unclaimed bag lying suspiciously on train number 15509, Rajya Rani Express.
Acting on the information, Saharsa RPF Post Commander Dhananjay Kumar directed Assistant Sub-Inspector Sunil Kumar Pandey, Sub-Inspector Sujit Kumar Mishra and Constable Sanjay Kumar to inspect the train.
The Excise Department was also informed after the team suspected that the bag could contain narcotics.
When the train arrived at Platform No. 1 of Saharsa Railway Station, RPF personnel searched coach D-04 and recovered 14.02 kg of cannabis from the unclaimed bag.
The Excise Department team subsequently took possession of the seized cannabis after completing the required legal formalities.
The estimated value of the recovered contraband is around Rs 7 lakh.
In a separate operation, the RPF received information from the Crime Intelligence Branch, Samastipur, about suspected liquor smuggling in the general coach of train number 15566, Vaishali Express.
Following the tip-off, Saharsa RPF Post Commander Dhananjay Kumar alerted the RPF escort team deployed between Mansi and Lalitgram and directed them to maintain close surveillance.
The Vaishali Express reached Platform No. 1 at Saharsa Railway Station at around 11:14 p.m.
Acting on information provided by the escort team, RPF personnel searched the electric box installed on the roof of general coach number 255975/C.
During the search, 25 bottles of foreign liquor (Royal Stag), concealed inside the box, were recovered.
The seized liquor amounted to 18.75 litres and was estimated to be worth around Rs 25,000.
The recovered liquor was subsequently handed over to the Saharsa Excise Department for further action.
The RPF said both seizures have been handed over to the Excise Department, and further legal proceedings are underway.
The operations highlight increased surveillance by railway security personnel to curb the transportation of narcotics and liquor through trains.
–IANS
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