3 opium smugglers arrested

Bhopal, June 3 (UNI) Police today arrested three people, including two brothers, on the charge of smuggling opium in the garb of transport business and seized 25 kg of high-quality narcotic drug from them.

Inspector General of Police Sanjeev Singh told reporters here that the drug was packed in two-kg packets. Besides the substance, police seized a diary containing accounts worth lakhs of rupees, two two-wheelers and two mobile phones.

The opium had been brought from Rajasthan and was being conveyed to Orissa's Behrampur, from where the drug had to be sent to the international market.

He said city-based transporter Abdul Rasid Khan had links with Pakistan. His two sons were studying in that country.

On receiving information about Abdul's involvement in the trade, police started keeping an eye over him. Abdul went to Rajasthan via Rajgarh to take the delivery of opium yesterday. Police intercepted him while he was returning with the substance early today and seized 20 kg opium.

Based on information during interrogation of Abdul and his driver Banne Khan, police intercepted Abdul's brother Ishrad Ali, who was coming in another vehicle, and seized 5 kg opium from him.

Mr Singh said Abdul had previously sold opium twice in international market but the quantity had been around 2-3 kg.

He said the diary revealed that Abdul had been involved in the trade for a long time with customers outside the state capital also. He said the links of the accused with terrorists and Pakistan smugglers cannot be denied.

The IG congratulated Superintendent of Police Anant Kumar Singh, crime branch and Rajgarh police for the success and announced that the police team would be rewarded.

UNI AG-PS PR RK2155