DRI and STF intercept narcotics on Narkatiyaganj–Muzaffarpur MEMU; suspected onward consignment to Firozabad
Muzaffarpur – A coordinated two‑day operation by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Muzaffarpur Regional Unit, working with the Special Task Force (STF) of Bihar Police, resulted in the seizure of approximately 3 kg of charas and the arrest of two persons, officials said on Sunday. The contraband is said to have been brought into India from Nepal and was reportedly intended for delivery in Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh.
Officials described the action as the outcome of specific intelligence about an interstate syndicate involved in cross‑border smuggling. The operation included sustained surveillance along remote stretches near the India–Nepal border to identify operatives, hideouts and the gang’s movement patterns over two days.
- Quantity seized: about 3 kg of charas.
- Estimated value: ₹3 crore (as reported by officials).
- Arrests: two persons, detained under provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
- Transport link intercepted: a Narkatiyaganj–Muzaffarpur MEMU train originating from Bapudham Motihari.
According to officials, the syndicate sought to evade detection by splitting consignments across multiple trains and deliberately delaying transit to confuse enforcement agencies. In the early hours of Sunday, intelligence indicated a suspected carrier was travelling on the MEMU service and the person was intercepted at Muzaffarpur Junction.
During questioning, the detained individual is reported to have disclosed that the contraband originated from Nepal and was to be handed over in Firozabad. A subsequent follow‑up operation, using details obtained during the interception, led to the arrest of an alleged supplier, taking the total number of arrests to two.
"Further investigation is underway to determine the wider trafficking network, identify additional associates, establish the supply chain and intended distribution route of the seized charas in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh," an official said.
Local implications and enforcement context
The seizure underscores persistent challenges for enforcement along the state’s northern border. Muzaffarpur Junction is a strategic rail node linking parts of northern Bihar with Uttar Pradesh and beyond, and has been used repeatedly by traffickers seeking quick regional transit. Law‑enforcement sources said the modus operandi observed in this case — use of cross‑border supply from Nepal and parceling consignments across trains — is consistent with patterns seen in previous smuggling networks.
Under the NDPS Act, 1985, trafficking and possession of charas attract stringent penalties; arrests will be followed by formal charge sheets as investigations progress. Officials indicated the DRI–STF joint team will continue tracing the supply chain to identify other members and distribution points in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Seized contraband | ≈ 3 kg charas |
| Estimated value | ₹3 crore |
| Arrests | 2 persons (NDPS provisions) |
| Rail route intercepted | Narkatiyaganj–Muzaffarpur MEMU (from Bapudham Motihari) |
| Alleged final destination | Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh |
Officials said the case now moves into a detailed probe phase to map the trafficking network and to establish whether the consignment formed part of a larger distribution plan within the two states. The multi‑agency nature of the operation reflects continued cooperation between central revenue intelligence and state police units to curb cross‑border narcotics flows impacting local markets and transit points.
As investigations proceed, commuters and residents around Muzaffarpur Junction can expect heightened security checks on regional MEMU and passenger services, officials added.
