Jaipur, Aug 2 (IANS) In a major breakthrough ahead of Independence Day, Rajasthan Police foiled an alleged cross-border smuggling attempt involving narcotics and sophisticated firearms.

Acting under Operation Shock Wave, police seized around 10 kg of Afghan-origin heroin valued at approximately Rs 50 crore, along with 11 foreign-made pistols, 22 magazines, 100 live cartridges, and a motorcycle near the India-Pakistan international border in Bikaner’s Khajuwala area.

Bikaner Police’s latest operation is being seen as a significant security measure, especially as Bikaner is set to host this year’s state-level Independence Day celebrations on August 15.

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma is scheduled to hoist the national flag at the event.

In view of the high-profile ceremony, security arrangements across the city have been intensified, with authorities maintaining heightened vigilance.

One accused, identified as Virendra, has been arrested.

During preliminary interrogation, he allegedly revealed that the consignment had been dropped by a drone from across the Pakistan border and that he had arrived to collect and transport it for further distribution.

Police said several other individuals linked to the smuggling network have also been identified during the investigation.

Senior police officials said the operation successfully thwarted a major cross-border conspiracy targeting Rajasthan. Bikaner Range IG Omprakash and SP Mridul Kachhawa supervised the operation.

According to SP Kachhawa, the District Special Team (DST) and Khajuwala Police carried out a joint raid on the Chak 6 BD Road near the 32 Head area under the Khajuwala police station limits. The accused was intercepted while riding a motorcycle, and police recovered the narcotics and weapons from his possession.

Initial investigations indicate that he intended to move the drone-dropped consignment to another location. The seizure includes 10 kg of heroin marked ‘999 Afghan’, 2 Turkish-made Zigana pistols, 4 Glock pistols, 5 Star-marked .30 bore pistols, 22 magazines and 100 live cartridges.

Police estimated the international market value of the heroin at nearly Rs 50 crore, based on an approximate value of Rs 5 crore per kilogram.

SP Mridul Kachhawa said intelligence agencies had alerted police about a possible attempt to smuggle narcotics and weapons into India through drones ahead of the August 15 Independence Day celebrations. Based on these inputs, Bikaner Police launched Operation Shock Wave under the supervision of IG Omprakash.

Following the arrest, investigators are examining the wider smuggling network, including possible cross-border links and the identities of those involved in receiving and distributing the consignment.

Police said the investigation is ongoing, and further arrests are expected as the network is traced.

–IANS

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