Narcotics – Rajasthan ANTF Arrests Wanted Drug Smuggler in Neemuch Village
Narcotics – A 27-year-old alleged inter-state drug smuggler, wanted in multiple cases across Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, has been arrested by the Rajasthan Anti-Narcotics Task Force after an eight-month operation. Sunil Meena was found hiding inside his home in Gamerpura village of Madhya Pradesh’s Neemuch district on Tuesday night, police said.
Suspect linked to 19 criminal cases
Police said Meena was among the most-wanted narcotics suspects operating between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. He was facing 19 cases and was also accused of firing at police personnel during earlier attempts to arrest him.
According to Rajasthan ANTF Inspector General Vikas Kumar, Meena tried to mislead the raiding team by claiming to be another person when officers entered the house. However, sustained questioning led him to reveal his identity, Kumar said.
The accused later admitted his alleged involvement in drug trafficking activities in both states, police added. He was taken into custody and brought to Rajasthan for further legal proceedings.
Operation Neelmani began eight months ago
The Rajasthan ANTF had launched Operation Neelmani around eight months ago to trace Meena and gather information about his network. Dedicated teams were assigned to track his movements and identify the locations he used to avoid arrest.
Meena carried a combined reward of Rs 1.52 lakh from Rajasthan authorities. This included Rs 1 lakh announced by the Rajasthan Additional Director General of Police, Crime, Rs 50,000 by Pali district police and Rs 2,000 by Udaipur police. Madhya Pradesh Police had also announced a reward of Rs 15,000 for information leading to his arrest.
Forest hideouts used to evade police teams
Investigators found that Meena frequently stayed in forested areas near his village to remain out of sight. Police said he had developed a method of communicating with his family while staying in the jungle.
A Rajasthan ANTF constable was deployed in the area while posing as a shepherd. The officer reportedly spent time around the forest belt and collected information about Meena’s routine, movements and possible hiding places.
During the surveillance, the team learned that Meena marked certain trees in the forest to guide his wife, who would allegedly bring food to him while he was in hiding. These signs helped investigators understand the routes and areas he was likely to use.
Rainfall leads police team to village house
Despite close monitoring of the forest, the police team was unable to locate Meena for a considerable period. The breakthrough came on Tuesday when officers received information about preparations resembling a small gathering at his residence in Gamerpura.
ANTF teams moved towards the village and planned the operation carefully to avoid alerting the suspect. Police said rainfall during the evening helped the officers approach the house without attracting attention.
Officials believe Meena chose to remain at home because of the rain rather than travelling to his forest hideout. The team entered the house and searched the premises before locating him behind a drum that had been covered with a quilt.
Further investigation underway
Police are now examining Meena’s alleged role in narcotics supply routes connecting Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Investigators are also expected to question him about others who may have assisted him while he was evading arrest.
The ANTF said the arrest was the result of sustained field intelligence, local surveillance and coordinated action by police teams. Further details are likely to emerge as the investigation progresses.