Patna, December 11, 2024, Vikas Kumar Ojha: Under the direction of Dr. Yashovardhan Pathak, Commissioner of Customs (Preventive) Patna, a vigorous and extensive campaign against smuggling is underway. As part of this effort, officials at the Integrated Check Post (ICP) in Raxaul seized a total of 147.25 kilograms of Nepali ganja from two LPG tanker lorries on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. The drugs, along with the tankers, were confiscated under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Both drivers have been detained for questioning.
The seized ganja and tankers have an estimated value of approximately ₹2.3 crore. This is the largest ganja seizure in recent years by the Customs (Preventive) Department, Patna. The Commissioner commended the efforts of the officers at the ICP Raxaul for their successful operation.
The key aspect of this operation is that, based on confidential information, ICP Raxaul officers conducted a search of two LPG tankers (registration numbers NL 02L 3906 and NL 02L 3908) arriving from Nepal near the India Gate at the ICP. During the search, 147.25 kilograms of ganja was found hidden in secret compartments under the cabins and seats of both tanker lorries.
The seized ganja has an international market value of approximately ₹1.5 crore, and the tankers themselves are valued at ₹80 lakh. The operation was led by Assistant Commissioner Santosh Kumar, Superintendent Zafar Alam, Superintendent Ashish Ranjan, Inspectors Manish Tiwari, along with other officers.
The authorities are currently investigating where the ganja originated from and its intended destination, along with identifying other individuals involved in the smuggling operation. Further legal actions are underway.
The Customs (Preventive) Department, Patna, has been running special campaigns against smuggling for some time. Dr. Yashovardhan Pathak, the Commissioner, stated that this campaign will continue and will be carried out with even greater intensity. Strict actions will be taken under the Customs Act against individuals involved in these illicit activities. He also highlighted the recent successes in thwarting several smuggling attempts, particularly involving ganja, and appreciated the efforts of the department’s officers while urging them to stay vigilant. He also emphasized the importance of raising awareness among the youth to stay away from drugs.
Additionally, the Commissioner mentioned that future cooperation from other departments, such as Railway Police, local police, and other government agencies, along with informants, will be vital in ensuring the continued success of this anti-smuggling campaign. The Customs Department also has provisions for rewarding individuals and departments who assist in this initiative under the Customs Act.
