89 kg of opium seized in Sirsa, 1 held

Hisar: In one of the largest anti-narcotics operations reported in Haryana, a joint team of the Haryana and Rajasthan Police seized nearly 89 kilograms of opium concealed inside a truck and arrested the driver.The seized contraband, weighing 88.97 kg, is estimated to be worth around Rs 4.5 crore in the illicit market.The operation was carried out near the NH-9 toll plaza in Sirsa district during a joint checking drive. According to police sources, the truck bearing registration number JK-02-BK-5276 was intercepted while moving from the Fatehabad side. The driver allegedly attempted to flee after noticing the police presence but was chased and apprehended by the joint team.During a detailed search conducted in the presence of a gazetted officer, investigators discovered specially fabricated concealed compartments beneath the truck. The hidden chambers contained 95 packets of opium weighing a total of 88.97 kilograms. Police also recovered Rs 40,000 in cash from the accused.The arrested driver, Kishna Ram, is a resident of Pali district in Rajasthan. A case under the NDPS Act was registered at Ding police station, and further investigation is underway, said the police.During interrogation, the accused reportedly disclosed that the opium consignment was transported from the Siliguri region of West Bengal and was destined for Jodhpur in Rajasthan. Investigators are now probing the larger trafficking network and attempting to identify other individuals involved in the supply chain, said the source.Police are expected to seek the accused's custodial remand to trace the source, intended recipients and possible interstate links connected with the narcotics racket. The seizure is being viewed as one of the most significant opium recoveries in Haryana in recent years. MSID:: 131637590 413 |