Ahead of Independence Day celebration, a major Ganja (Cannabis) seizure at Udaipur Railway Station has created a stir after police and security personnel foiled an alleged attempt to smuggle a large quantity of cannabis aboard the Kanchenjunga Express.
Two youths have been arrested in connection with the incident. The accused have been identified as Mohammad Tushar (20) and Zahid Mia (21), both residents of the Sonamura area of Sepahijala district, police sources said.
Police sources added that the incident occurred on Tuesday morning shortly after the Sabroom–Sealdah Kanchenjunga Express departed from Udaipur Railway Station. Around half a kilometre from the station, the train was suddenly brought to a halt after someone pulled the emergency chain.
At that moment, a youth reportedly got out of a vehicle and ran towards the moving train before boarding it. His movements stimulated the suspicion of security personnel, who intercepted him and conducted questioning and a search.
During the search, a large quantity of dry Ganja was recovered from a trolley bag in his possession. Subsequently, two youths suspected of being involved in the smuggling attempt were detained. Preliminary information suggests that more than 10 kg of Ganja was seized.
Following the incident, personnel from Radhakishorepur police station, Udaipur Railway Station GRP and the BSF jointly took action.
Sources said that security agencies had received prior intelligence regarding a possible drug-smuggling operation. Acting on the information, security personnel managed to foil the alleged smuggling attempt.
During the preliminary investigation, police suspect that the seized Ganja had been brought from the Sonamura area and was allegedly intended to be transported by rail to Chennai. Police are now investigating whether other persons are involved in the alleged trafficking network.
The RK police have arrested both accused and launched a detailed investigation. Investigators are examining the source of the consignment, the person or persons from whom it was procured, its intended destination and whether a larger interstate drug-trafficking network was operating behind the incident.
Udaipur Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Debanjali Roy briefed the media about the operation. She said legal action would be taken against the accused and that efforts were underway to identify other members allegedly involved in the trafficking network through further investigation.
The incident has once again raised concerns over the use of Udaipur Railway Station and railway routes for interstate drug trafficking. Although the police operation led to the recovery of a substantial quantity of Ganja, attention is now focused on whether the investigation will uncover a larger trafficking network operating through the railway route.