In a step forward in achieving a drug-free Tripura, the state police achieved a major breakthrough on Thursday (June 29) as they seized drugs with an estimated value of approximately Rs. 14 crore at Ambassa under Dhalai district in Tripura.
During an intensified anti-narcotics operation, the Dhalai district police conducted a raid at the Naka point under the Ambassa police station, targeting a Mahindra Thar bearing the registration number TR01-BU-0234.
A police officer said, “Upon searching the vehicle, we discovered 300 cases of heroin weighing 3.415 kg, with a market value of around Rs. 13.8 crore concealed inside an improvised cloth bag.”
Two individuals identified as Mahabul Alam and Piklu Bhowmik were apprehended in connection with the drug seizure. The police officer confirmed that a specific case has been registered, and an ongoing investigation is underway.
This drug seizure stands as one of the largest ever recorded in Tripura. Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha praised the accomplishment of the Tripura Police in a tweet.
During the initial interrogation, it was revealed that both accused individuals have a history of involvement in drug smuggling. They had previously been arrested in separate incidents related to heroin seizures at Ganganagar and Kamalpur police stations.
On June 26, the accused individuals departed from Sepahijala and traveled to Mizoram. They received the drug consignment from Thangpong Haokep of Manipur at Chempai, along the Mizoram and Barma border.
On June 28, they began their journey back to Tripura, following the route through Mamit, Vanghmun, Jampui Hills, Kanchanpur, Manu via Manumampui road, ultimately reaching Ambassa.
Occasionally, they also utilize the Kanchanpur-Pecharthal-Kumarghat-Fatikroy-Kamalpur-Khowai-Agartala route, and then proceed to Sonamura via Boxanagar.
Further investigations and interrogations are currently underway. The accused individuals will be presented before the court on Friday, where a remand request will be made, according to the police.
In the meantime, Tripura has emerged as the leader in the North East region in terms of drug seizures.
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha’s instructions have driven the state police’s continuous efforts to eradicate the drug menace from Tripura.
In yet another move, the New Capital Complex police conducted an operation and seized brown sugar worth approximately Rs. 1.5 crore from an auto-rickshaw in the Buddha Mandir area. Four individuals, three of whom are from Bihar, were arrested in connection with the seizure.