The Railway Protection Force of South Central Railway is keeping surveillance on parcels being transported through trains as part of the Pan India Drive ordered by the Director General, Railway Protection Force (RPF). In this regard, based on the intelligence input collected by Crime Intelligence branch of RPF/SCR on 03rd May, 2023, smuggled cigarettes worth Rs. 67.50 lakh were seized at Hyderabad Railway station.
A joint team of Railway Protection Force and Government Railway Police carried out a special check on parcels unloaded from Train No. 12724 Telangana Express at Hyderabad Railway station. During the inspection, fifteen parcels which were loaded from New Delhi were suspected. The parcels were then opened and found to contain 45 cartoon boxes with 4,50,000 pieces of foreign made PARIS brand cigarettes. The parcels were booked from New Delhi declaring as Grocery items.
As per sources, each cigarette stick is being sold in open market for Rs.15/- to 20/-, according to the demand. So the total value of smuggled cigarettes is assessed as Rs. 67.50 lakh approximately. The seized cigarettes were handed over to Customs department for further legal action. In this connection, RPF Hyderabad also registered a case against the consigner for false declaration under Railways Act.
Shri Raja Ram, IG cum Principal Chief Security Commissioner, Railway Protection Force, South Central Railway stated that smuggling of illegal cigarettes is impacting many aspects of Indian economy and is a major concern. He said that the Railway Protection Force will continue to conduct these types of drives in the coming days and vigilance will also be increased to curb smuggling of contraband. 
