Rajasthan's Anti-Narcotics Task Force Achieves Major Breakthrough in Drug Crackdown
Completing 175 days since its formation, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) in Rajasthan has executed a sweeping crackdown, resulting in the arrest of 45 high-value drug smugglers and masterminds. This extensive operation has led to the seizure of narcotics with an estimated street value of Rs 563 crore, marking a significant milestone in the state's fight against drug trafficking.
High-Value Targets and Nationwide Pursuit
Inspector General of ANTF, Vikas Kumar, revealed that the arrested suspects include long-absconding traffickers with rewards ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 1 lakh each, cumulatively amounting to Rs 11.5 lakh. These individuals had been operating entrenched narcotics networks for years, supplying drugs not only across Rajasthan but also to neighbouring states. Notably, four of Rajasthan's five most wanted smugglers are among those apprehended.
The crackdown extended beyond state borders, with 13 of the 45 arrests made outside Rajasthan. ANTF teams conducted coordinated operations in Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and West Bengal, camping for weeks to lay traps and track down the fugitives. The remaining 32 arrests were carried out within various districts of Rajasthan.
State-Wise Arrest Distribution and Key Hotspots
Breaking down the arrests by state: 32 were from Rajasthan, five from Madhya Pradesh, three from Gujarat, two from Haryana, and one each from Punjab and West Bengal. Within Rajasthan, Barmer emerged as the district with the highest number of arrests at 15, highlighting it as a major hub for drug smuggling activities. Other districts with significant arrests include Jalore (4), Bhilwara, Phalodi, Pratapgarh, Jaipur, and Chittorgarh (3 each). Sriganganagar, Rajsamand, Udaipur, and Jhalawar recorded two arrests each, while Banswara, Jhunjhunu, and Sikar saw one arrest each. Additionally, two arrests were linked to cases handled by the Special Operations Group (SOG).
Record Seizure and Operational Expansion
Officials emphasized that the Rs 563 crore seizure value pertains strictly to narcotic substances and excludes the worth of confiscated vehicles, weapons, and manufacturing setups. Inspector General Vikas Kumar termed this a record achievement since the unit's inception on October 7, noting that the force has targeted every form of narcotics through sustained and relentless operations.
In its first 175 days, ANTF has not only made significant arrests but also built a robust operational backbone. The force has established 18 checkpoints, a dedicated police station, and a full-fledged headquarters. Personnel have been carefully selected, trained, and deployed across the state to enhance surveillance and enforcement capabilities. This infrastructure development underscores the government's commitment to creating a formidable barrier against drug trafficking networks in Rajasthan and beyond.
