In a joint operation with the Railway Protection Force (RPF), three individuals were arrested for transporting marijuana from Visakhapatnam to various parts of India using DTDC courier services. The suspects, from Kerala and Bihar, have been remanded in court as authorities continue to investigate the drug smuggling network. The Visakhapatnam Government Railway Police (GRP) dismantled the interstate marijuana smuggling operation under the supervision of the Deputy Superintendent of Police. The special team conducted the operation following a request from GRP Inspector CH Dhananjayanaidu, based on credible information about the smuggling activities.
The primary suspect, Muhammed Nadirsha (27) from Kerala, was apprehended with 8 kg of marijuana being transported from Orissa to Kerala. Additionally, Nitish Kumar (29) from Bihar was detained with 6 kg of marijuana route from Visakhapatnam to Chennai. In another successful operation, Vikas Kumar (23), also from Bihar, was captured with 16 kg of marijuana intended for delivery in Delhi. According to the police, the smugglers utilized DTDC courier services to ship the marijuana, cleverly packing it to evade detection. They would book home pickups online, making it challenging for officials to intercept the drugs before shipment.
This method bypassed traditional transportation channels, raising concerns about the use of courier services for illegal activities. In response to the increasing drug trafficking, the Visakhapatnam GRP in collaboration with the RPF has increased security measures at major railway stations in the region. Special surveillance teams have been formed at Visakhapatnam, Duvvada, Anakapalli and Simhachalam railway stations to monitor the activities. Officials have confirmed that regular inspections are being conducted and investigation into the drug syndicate is ongoing. The arrested suspects have been produced in court and remanded for further investigation, as police are working to unravel the full extent of the smuggling operation. The GRP has vowed to continue its efforts to curb drug trafficking and ensure the safety of passengers travelling through the region.