RPF Busts Rs. 30.5 Lakh Cannabis Haul on Ranchi–Jammu Tawi Express, Three Arrested

Ranchi - In a major anti-narcotics operation, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) seized 61 kilograms of cannabis worth approximately ?30.5 lakh and arrested three alleged smugglers at Ranchi Railway Station.

The action was carried out on May 30, 2026, under Operation NARCOS by the RPF Flying Squad, RPF Post Ranchi, and the Crime Intelligence Branch. During a routine inspection of Train No. 18309 Sambalpur–Jammu Tawi Express, officials identified three suspicious passengers in coach B-3 carrying four trolley bags and three backpacks.

When questioned, the suspects reportedly admitted that the bags contained cannabis. Since the train had already departed, the individuals were deboarded at Namkum Railway Station along with their luggage for a detailed search conducted in accordance with legal procedures.

The accused were identified as Ayush Singh (22), Prince Kumar (21), and Ankit Pathak (19), all residents of Bihar's Buxar district. During the search, RPF personnel recovered 61 packets of cannabis weighing a total of 61 kilograms, along with three mobile phones.

Acting under the supervision of Assistant Security Commissioner Pratap Singh Negi, officials tested the seized substance using a DD kit, which confirmed it to be cannabis. The estimated market value of the contraband is around ?30.5 lakh.

The seized cannabis and other recovered items were confiscated, and the three accused were handed over to the Government Railway Police (GRP), Ranchi, along with a written complaint for further legal proceedings.

The successful operation involved the efforts of Inspector Shishupal Kumar, Inspector Lal Bahadur, ASI Yogendra Kumar, ASI Anil Kumar, ASI Abhishek Kumar, and staff members A.J. Ansari, R.K. Singh, Hemant, and Chhote Kumar Singh.