Backed by Better Monitoring, CCTV Surveillance & Special Drives, RPF Detects 4328 Drug Trafficking Cases in Last 3 Years

**Executive Summary** Between 2023 and 2025, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) detected 4,328 cases of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) trafficking through enhanced monitoring and surveillance. While empowered to search, seize, and arrest under the NDPS Act since 2019, the RPF must hand over all cases to authorized Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) for formal registration and investigation. This information was detailed in a Lok Sabha reply by the Union Minister for Railways on March 18, 2026. **Key Points / Main Content** **Legal Authority and Framework** * **Empowerment:** RPF is authorized to search, seize, and arrest under Sections 42 and 67 of the NDPS Act, 1985, per a 2019 Gazette notification. * **Investigative Limits:** The RPF is not empowered to register or investigate cases; arrested persons and seized items are transferred to the Government Railway Police (GRP) or other LEAs. * **Reporting:** NDPS cases registered by the GRP are published state-wise in the ‘Crime in India’ report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). **Operational Measures** * **Surveillance Technology:** Installation of X-Ray baggage scanners at major stations and CCTV camera coverage in coaches and station premises. * **Detection Tools:** Deployment of trained sniffer dogs to check trains and stations for narcotics. * **Special Operations:** Targeted drives are conducted on specific trains and routes identified as vulnerable to drug trafficking. * **Public Engagement:** Awareness and sensitization campaigns to encourage commuters to report suspicious activities. **Inter-Agency Collaboration** * **Coordination Meetings:** Regular sessions with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), GRP, and local police to enhance operational efficiency. * **NCORD Participation:** Active involvement in the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) to dismantle drug-related criminal activities. **Detection Statistics** * **2023:** 1,220 cases detected. * **2024:** 1,392 cases detected. * **2025:** 1,716 cases detected. **Impact Analysis** **Railway Protection Force (RPF)** **Impact** The RPF serves as the frontline detection agency, utilizing increased surveillance powers and technology to intercept trafficking. **Action Required** Continue executing searches and arrests while ensuring the prompt transfer of all seized materials and suspects to empowered LEAs for legal action. **Government Railway Police (GRP) and Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs)** **Impact** These agencies (including NCB, DRI, and local police) carry the legal burden of registering, investigating, and prosecuting cases initiated by RPF detections. **Action Required** Maintain regular coordination meetings and participate in NCORD to streamline the handover of cases and manage subsequent legal proceedings. **Passengers and Railway Commuters** **Impact** Commuters are subject to heightened security measures, including baggage screening and surveillance, but benefit from improved safety on the rail network. **Action Required** Engage with sensitization campaigns and report any suspicious behavior or unclaimed baggage to railway authorities.

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