Daijiworld Media Network - Patna
Patna, Oct 24: Police have seized 1.806 kg of a substance suspected to be high-quality heroin, locally known as smack, worth an estimated Rs 4 crore and arrested two alleged drug traffickers in Bihar’s East Champaran district.
A Scorpio SUV, two mobile phones and a gold locket were also seized during the operation.
According to a police official on Saturday, the operation was launched on Friday night after police received a tip-off while patrolling the Raxaul police station area.
The information indicated that a large consignment of a substance resembling smack was being transported from Sugauli towards Raxaul in a white Scorpio SUV via the Lakshmipur check post.
Following the tip-off, senior police officials were alerted and a joint team was formed under the leadership of the Raxaul Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO). The team included the Block Agriculture Officer and personnel from the Special Task Force (STF), Motihari.
The team intercepted the suspicious vehicle near the Lakshmipur check post and conducted a search, during which 1.806 kg of the suspected narcotic substance was recovered. The two occupants of the vehicle were arrested.
The accused have been identified as Ramesh Kumar, a resident of Ward No. 14 under Raxaul police station limits, and Sandeep Kumar, a resident of Bahuarwa village under Palanwa police station limits.
Police said Sandeep Kumar has a criminal record, including a previous case registered against him under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at Raxaul police station.
An FIR (Case No. 477/26) has been registered at Raxaul police station in connection with the seizure, and further legal proceedings are underway.
Investigators are examining the source of the suspected narcotics, their intended destination and the possible involvement of others in the alleged trafficking network. Police are also probing whether the seized vehicle was regularly used to transport contraband.
The seizure comes amid efforts to curb drug trafficking in the Raxaul region, which lies close to the India-Nepal border.
Further details about the suspected trafficking network and the origin of the substance are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses. The exact identity and composition of the seized material will have to be established through forensic testing.