Gayaji: A joint team of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) seized 17.749 kg of ganja from the Tejas Rajdhani Express at Gaya Junction and arrested a Patna resident, officials said.
The seizure was made under Operation Narcos, an ongoing drive against the smuggling of narcotics on railway premises. The seized cannabis has an estimated value of Rs 8,87,450.
According to RPF Assistant Security Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Singh, the operation was carried out on the night of September 16 following information that a passenger carrying ganja would arrive at Gaya station.
Passenger Intercepted On Train
A team led by RPF Inspector Banarasi Yadav and GRP Station House Officer Shivkumar intensified surveillance at the station after receiving the tip-off.
When Train No. 22811 Up Tejas Rajdhani Express arrived at Platform No. 1 at around 10.20pm, personnel intercepted a passenger seated on Berth No. 21 in Coach No. 9.
The passenger was identified as Manoj Kumar Barnwal, a resident of Kaimashikoh in Patna district. His satchel, handbag and trolley bag were searched.
17 Packets Of Ganja Recovered
The search resulted in the recovery of 17 packets containing ganja. The combined weight of the packets, including the packing tape, was recorded as 17.749 kg.
Officials said a mobile phone, Aadhaar card and travel ticket were also recovered during the search.
Barnwal was arrested at around 12.50am after the required formalities. He was subsequently handed over to the Gaya GRP along with the seized cannabis and other recovered items for further legal action.
Surveillance To Continue
Personnel from the RPF Post Gaya, Crime Intelligence Branch, CPDS Gaya and GRP Gaya were involved in the operation.
Officials said joint surveillance and inspection drives would continue at railway premises as part of efforts to prevent narcotics smuggling
