Rajasthan police have arrested a former NSG commando in Jodhpur after seizing 6 kg of opium and over ₹1.06 crore in cash. This raid is part of a larger statewide narcotics crackdown uncovering suspected trafficking networks. Authorities are now questioning the accused to determine the source of the funds and the drugs.
Rajasthan police have launched a series of coordinated operations against narcotics networks across the state, resulting in the high-profile arrest of a former National Security Guard commando in Jodhpur. During a raid conducted late Thursday in the Banad area, local law enforcement seized approximately 6 kilograms of opium and more than ₹1.06 crore in cash from the residence of the former serviceman, Ratan Singh.
Investigation into Trafficking Links
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Manish Chaudhary, the accused had served in the Assam Rifles until 2021 before entering the contracting business in Jodhpur. Investigators are currently probing whether the alleged drug trafficking activities are connected to contacts established during the accused's time in service in Manipur. While the individual claimed the large cash sum was derived from legitimate business dealings, the amount was confiscated as part of the ongoing investigation. The sheer volume of cash required hours of manual counting, as authorities did not have access to a note-counting machine during the initial late-night operation.
Wider Narcotics Crackdown in Rajasthan
The operation in Jodhpur is part of a broader, ongoing effort by the Rajasthan police to dismantle drug supply chains across the state. In a separate action in the Jajiwal area, police detained an individual named Ramniwas Bishnoi, seizing an additional 6 kilograms of opium and ₹6 lakh in cash. Furthermore, a third raid in the Dangiyawas police station area led to the interception of a vehicle carrying over 40 kilograms of poppy husk, locally known as doda. Dinesh Bishnoi, a resident of Balotra, was taken into custody in connection with this specific seizure.
Next Steps for Authorities
These events are significant as they highlight the authorities' focus on identifying and breaking down inter-state drug trafficking networks. The primary monitorable for the coming days will be the results of the interrogation of the detained individuals, which may reveal the source of the narcotics and the broader reach of the trafficking network. Police are expected to provide further updates as the forensic and financial investigations into the seized assets continue.