In a major crackdown in Samastipur district, a joint operation by the local police and the Narcotics Cell led to the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of heroin valued at approximately Rs6 lakh.
Specific intelligence received on the morning of March 21, 2026, indicated that members of a narcotics gang would arrive at Shahpur Patori railway station carrying heroin. Acting swiftly, a special team comprising local police officials and the Block Development Officer cordoned off the station area and laid a trap.
Two suspects — a man and a woman — were apprehended while acting suspiciously near the station. The accused have been identified as Rahul Kumar, 26, a resident of Vaishali, and Shanti Devi, a resident of Assam.
During the search, police recovered heroin, locally known as ‘kota’, concealed inside four boxes of sago (sabudana). In addition, two mobile phones, cash, railway tickets, and identity cards were seized.
Preliminary interrogation revealed that the duo was involved in smuggling narcotics from northeastern states into Bihar. Authorities suspect a larger interstate network and are working to trace other gang members and their criminal links.
A case has been registered under the NDPS Act at Patori Police Station, and investigations are ongoing.
Earlier, on March 17, a joint team of the Narcotics Control Bureau and Patna Police faced resistance during a raid in Mandiri Kath Pul, Buddha Colony, Patna, where local residents and alleged traffickers attacked the team. Police had to fire rounds in the air to regain control and prevent the escape of suspects.
