War on Drugs: Secunderabad Railway Protection Force narcotics seizures up by 182.5%

Hyderabad: In 2023, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Secunderabad Division made a dent in the drug smuggling trade with multiple seizures of narcotics amounting to a total of Rs 2.43 crores in 2023, so far.

The division experienced a 182.5% increase in seizure value so far, recovering narcotics in 10 incidents this year.

In a recent joint operation on June 23, at Khammam Railway Station, the RPF, the Excise Department, and the Government Railway Police discovered unclaimed bags in the General coach of Train No 11020 Konark Express. Upon inspection, the bags were found to contain dry ganja weighing 41.2 kg, with an estimated value of Rs 41,20,000.

In 2022, the RPF Secunderabad Division recovered narcotics in 35 incidents, valued at Rs 7.84 crores. They apprehended 41 individuals caught carrying NDPS substances and handed them over to the relevant law enforcement agencies for further legal action.

Under their operation, NARCOS, the RPF are authorised to conduct search, seizure, and arrest operations under the NDPS Act, giving them the necessary powers to combat the illegal drug trade. Collaborating with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and other law enforcement agencies, the RPF has been actively targeting drug peddlers involved in smuggling narcotics through railways.

Debashmita Chattopadhyay Banerjee, the senior divisional security commissioner of the Secunderabad Division, appreciated RPF’s efforts and emphasised the detrimental effects of narcotics on society.

“Narcotics not only destroy the health of our youth but also harm the economy and the overall well-being of our nation. Drug addiction has severe implications, affecting both the physical and mental health of individuals. The RPF, in coordination with the NCB and other law enforcement agencies, remains committed to targeting drug peddlers and curbing this illicit trade,” she said.