Siliguri, 20th November: A major drug smuggling operation was uncovered by the Government Railway Police (GRP) in Siliguri, leading to the arrest of three individuals, including a woman, involved in trafficking narcotics. The suspects, identified as Ruma Dutta was arrested at Siliguri Junction, while Abhik Dhar and Swapan Barman were arrested from the NJP area.
On Tuesday, based on a tip-off, the GRP SOG (Special Operations Group) and Junction Town GRP launched a joint operation. The tip-off indicated that a substantial delivery of cannabis was being smuggled on the Kanchankanya Express, traveling from Alipurduar. The suspects were reportedly carrying several bags of cannabis on the train.
Upon the train’s arrival at Siliguri Junction, the GRP team conducted a thorough search of the AC compartment. During the operation, they recovered 15 bags from the compartment, which contained a total of 1 quintal and 7 kilograms of cannabis. The total estimated value of the seized drugs is around ₹15 lakh.
One of the suspects, Ruma Dutta, a woman, was arrested on the spot for drug trafficking. However, her two accomplices, Abhik Dhar and Swapan Barman, managed to escape. After further questioning, the GRP’s SOG team tracked down and arrested the two absconding individuals in the NJP area.
The three suspects have been charged under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and were presented before the Siliguri court. At present, the entire incident is under further police investigation.