Siliguri, 06 October (H.S.) : In a major crackdown on narcotics trafficking, the Government Railway Police (GRP) foiled a smuggling attempt at New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station on Tuesday afternoon, arresting two youths and seizing approximately 35 kilograms of cannabis (ganja) from their possession.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Ujjwal Paswan (22) and Ujjwal Chandra (21), both residents of Assam.

According to GRP sources, personnel on routine patrol noticed the duo moving suspiciously on platform number six after arriving at NJP on a train from Assam. Upon intercepting them, law enforcement officials searched their trolley bags and recovered around 35 kilograms of cannabis neatly packed into 30 parcels.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects had transported the contraband from Assam to deliver it to a local handler at the station. The timely joint surveillance operation thwarted the planned handover.

The GRP has registered a case against both accused under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. They are scheduled to be produced before the Jalpaiguri district court on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the GRP's Special Operations Group (SOG) has launched a wider investigation to uncover the interstate distribution network and identify the intended recipients of the seized consignment.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh