In a major crackdown against drug trafficking, the Shribhumi Police have achieved significant success in a week-long anti-narcotics campaign, seizing contraband estimated to be worth nearly ₹4 crore (approximately $4 million USD) in the black market. The intensive operation involved three separate raids in the Patharkandi and Ratabari areas, leading to the arrest of one trafficker and the confiscation of three vehicles used for smuggling.
Massive Seizure at Patharkandi
The largest seizures occurred in the Patharkandi region. In a high-value raid, Shribhumi Police successfully intercepted a massive consignment of cannabis (ganja).
- Vehicle Intercepted: A white Tata Punch bearing the registration number TR05F 0465 (Tripura registered) was found abandoned on the Chandkhira-Patharkandi road.
- Contraband Recovered: Upon searching the vehicle, police discovered 255 kg of dry cannabis packed in 56 packets.
- Black Market Value: Police sources estimate the seized ganja to be worth approximately ₹1.5 crore in the illegal market.
Fugitive Driver: The driver managed to evade arrest and fled the scene, leaving the vehicle behind. Police have impounded the car.
Fake Number Plates: Investigators also recovered two forged number plates from the vehicle, with registrations TR04F 0523 and AS11X 2226 (Assam and Tripura registrations), indicating sophisticated inter-state trafficking attempts.
Bolero Pickup Loaded with Cannabis
A second major seizure took place last Thursday. Police near the Chandkhira Railway Bridge, under the Patharkandi Police Station area, intercepted a Bolero pickup truck (registration TR05J-1807) using a diversionary road from Tripura.
- Concealment Method: The vehicle, originally used for transporting fish, was found to be carrying ice and various cartons. Beneath the layers of ice and cartons, police uncovered approximately five quintals (500 kg) of dry cannabis concealed in small and large packets.
- Estimated Value: The black market value of this consignment is estimated to be around ₹2.5 crore.
- Escape: The driver and co-driver abandoned the vehicle and escaped before the police could apprehend them.
Arrest and Third Bust
In a simultaneous operation near the Ratabari Police Station, officers intercepted a Maruti Espresso car and recovered approximately 15 kg of cannabis. In this incident, police successfully arrested a suspected trafficker, identified as Helal Uddin.
Police Vow to Continue the Fight
In total, the Shribhumi Police have seized approximately 4 crore rupees worth of ganja from the three separate incidents. This successful week-long operation underscores the commitment of the Shribhumi Police to eradicate drug smuggling from the region. Further investigations are underway to trace the origins and destination of the narcotics and to identify the kingpins behind these trafficking networks.
