Patna: Railway security forces have seized nearly five kilograms of cannabis from a Howrah–New Delhi superfast express train at Gaya junction in Bihar, in what officials described as a significant success under a nationwide anti-narcotics drive. The seizure was made on Sunday after a joint team of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) carried out a targeted search under “Operation Narcos”, aimed at curbing drug trafficking through rail networks.
According to officials, the Howrah–New Delhi Superfast Express (train number 12801) was inspected as it arrived at platform number one of Gaya junction following a tip-off from railway control. During the search, security personnel discovered five packets concealed above the ceiling of a toilet in coach M-1.
On inspection, the packets were found to contain 4.8kg of cannabis, with an estimated market value of about Rs. 2.40 lakh. The consignment was seized in an unclaimed condition, police said.
The operation was led by sub-inspector Javed Iqbal of the RPF post at Gaya, with support from RPF and GRP personnel. A formal seizure memo was prepared at the spot before the recovered substance was handed over to the GRP police station at Gaya for further legal action.
A case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and investigations are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for placing the drugs on the train.
Railway officials said the operation reflected intensified efforts to prevent the use of passenger trains for drug trafficking and to enhance passenger safety.
