Surat: The local crime branch (LCB) of Surat Rural police on Thursday seized 2.5 tonned of poppy husk — worth an estimated Rs 3.75 crore — from a truck on National Expressway 4, exposing an interstate supply network that allegedly routed the contraband through Gujarat.The narcotic substance was being transported in a truck disguised as a consignment of rice crackers.Police said they received intelligence about a truck carrying poppy husk towards Vadodara on the Mumbai-Delhi Expressway. An LCB team intercepted the vehicle near Tundi village and inspected its cargo.During the search, officers found poppy husk concealed behind bags of rice crackers. A scientific officer tested the material on the spot and confirmed it was poppy husk.The driver, Sunil Bishnoi (40), a resident of Childhani village in Jodhpur district, was arrested. He was produced before a local court, which remanded him to 11 days’ police custody.Investigators said Sumerram Bishnoi of Neno Ki Thani in Jodhpur has been declared wanted for allegedly supplying the contraband. Police said Sunil and Sumerram are cousins. Another man, described as an aide of Sumerram who was present when the truck was loaded, has also been declared wanted. His identity has yet to be established.Sunil police the consignment originated in Ratlam, MP, and was meant for delivery in Jodhpur. He said he was promised Rs 70,000 per trip from Ratlam to Jodhpur.According to police, the truck entered Gujarat through the Navapur-Songadh stretch on NH53 and later joined NE 4 from Ena near Surat.“Further investigation is continuing to find out who else is involved and a search is on for the wanted accused,” said Rajesh Gadhiya, SP, Surat.Apart from the contraband, police seized the truck valued at about Rs 25 lakh, cash of Rs 7,209 and a mobile phone worth around Rs 5,000. They also seized 150 bags of rice crackers worth approximately Rs 3.75 lakh that were used to conceal the poppy husk.
