Bhubaneswar: In a major anti-narcotics drive, the Odisha Crime Branch’s Special Task Force (STF) on Wednesday launched ‘Operation Sniper’ at Bhubaneswar Railway Station, targeting drug trafficking through railway parcels.
The operation involved two specially trained sniffer dogs — Explosive RPF K9 Sniffer Max and Narcotics RPF K9 Sniffer Jackson.
Speaking to the media, STF SP Kishore Kumar Panigrahi said, “We have initiated ‘Operation Sniper’ to detect and seize controlled substances such as ganja, brown sugar, and other contraband. This operation is part of the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.’ Based on credible intelligence, we suspect that narcotics are being transported via trains, and our sniffer dogs are trained to detect them. The operation is being conducted in full coordination with the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP), and Odisha Police, and our raids will continue.”
During the operation, STF teams, along with RPF officials and K9 units, combed parcel-handling zones to locate hidden contraband. Intelligence inputs had pointed to illegal intoxicant trade through railway parcels, prompting the raids.
Search teams meticulously inspected stacked parcels, while sniffer dogs checked luggage, parcel crates, and sealed cargo awaiting dispatch.
The STF added that the dogs’ advanced training makes them highly effective in detecting narcotics, explosives, and other prohibited items, making them a crucial part of the operation.
