Clever Drug Smuggling Bid Using Fake Fuel Tank Foiled in Indore, Narcotics Worth ₹25 Lakh Seized

Indore, January 8: Police in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore district on Wednesday foiled a well-planned interstate drug smuggling attempt in which narcotics were hidden inside a specially modified truck, using a method that reminded officers of scenes from the popular film Pushpa. Acting on specific intelligence, the police intercepted a truck and recovered a large quantity of banned poppy husk concealed inside a fake diesel tank fixed beneath the vehicle. According to police officials, the operation unfolded in the Tejaji Nagar area of Indore after law enforcement agencies received credible information about a truck allegedly transporting narcotics from Madhya Pradesh to Punjab. Based on the tip-off, multiple police teams were alerted and a road blockade was set up to stop the suspected vehicle. The truck was intercepted without incident, and a detailed inspection was carried out on the spot. During the inspection, officers noticed unusual features under the truck’s chassis. What appeared to be a regular diesel tank raised suspicion due to its design and placement. Upon closer examination, the police discovered that the tank was not connected to the fuel system. When it was opened, officers found 87 kilograms of banned poppy husk carefully packed inside the hollow structure. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Krishnalal Chandani said the estimated market value of the seized narcotics is around ₹25 lakh. He explained that the concealment method was intentionally designed to deceive routine vehicle checks. “The fake tank looked exactly like a normal diesel tank. It was fitted in such a way that even experienced eyes could miss it during a casual inspection,” the DCP said, adding that the smugglers had gone to great lengths to avoid detection. The truck driver was identified as Butta Singh, a resident of Jalandhar district in Punjab. He was immediately taken into custody and questioned by the police. During interrogation, Singh reportedly admitted that he was transporting the poppy husk from Agar district in Madhya Pradesh to Punjab, where it was supposed to be delivered to associates linked to an organised drug network. Police records revealed that Singh is not new to criminal activity. He has a previous case registered against him under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in 2016, also related to drug smuggling. This information strengthened police suspicion that the accused was part of a larger and well-established trafficking network operating across state borders. Senior police officials said the arrest is significant, but it is only the beginning of a deeper investigation. Authorities are now focusing on identifying the source of the narcotics, the people who financed the operation, and the intended receivers in Punjab. Investigators are also examining whether the same truck or method was used in earlier smuggling runs. “This does not appear to be a one-time operation,” a senior officer said. “The level of planning and the professional modification of the vehicle suggest an organised network. We believe more people are involved, including suppliers, transport coordinators, and local contacts in both states.” Videos of the operation have surfaced, showing police officers cutting open and inspecting the fake tank, which further highlighted the sophistication of the concealment. The visuals have drawn attention on social media, with many comparing the method to cinematic smuggling plots, though police stressed that such crimes have serious real-world consequences. The accused has been booked under relevant sections of the NDPS Act, and the seized truck has been taken into police custody for further forensic examination. Officials said efforts are underway to trace financial links and phone records connected to the case. Police have reiterated their commitment to cracking down on drug trafficking and urged citizens to share information related to illegal activities. “Public cooperation and timely intelligence play a key role in such successful operations,” DCP Chandani said, adding that more arrests are likely in the coming days as the investigation progresses. Clever Drug Smuggling Bid Using Fake Fuel Tank Foiled in Indore, Narcotics Worth ₹25 Lakh Seized Police in Indore busted a smartly planned drug smuggling attempt that looked straight out of a movie scene. Acting on a specific tip-off, police stopped a truck in the Tejaji Nagar area and uncovered a hidden stash of drugs using a fake diesel tank fitted under the vehicle. What looked like a normal fuel tank was actually a hollow chamber designed to hide narcotics. When officers opened the modified tank, they recovered 87 kilograms of banned poppy husk. Officials said the seized drugs are worth around ₹25 lakh in the illegal market. The truck driver, identified as Butta Singh from Punjab’s Jalandhar district, was arrested on the spot. During questioning, he admitted that the consignment was being transported from Agar district in Madhya Pradesh to Punjab. Police also revealed that the accused is not a first-time offender and had a previous case registered under the NDPS Act in 2016. Senior officers believe this was part of a larger interstate drug network and not an isolated attempt. Investigations are now focused on identifying the suppliers, financiers, and intended receivers of the drugs. Police said such creative methods may look clever, but the law always catches up.