HT Digital,
Agartala, May 29: In a concerted crackdown on narcotics trafficking, law enforcement authorities apprehended five individuals on an interstate bus traveling from Dharmanagar to Silchar on Tuesday evening, seizing a significant quantity of cannabis. The operation underscores the heightened vigilance and proactive measures being taken to curb drug smuggling activities in the region.
The bus was intercepted and meticulously searched by a police team led by Officer-in-Charge (OC) Samaresh Das near the Churaibari police station, located at the Tripura border. This strategic location has been a focal point for numerous anti-smuggling operations due to its critical position along the trafficking route.
OC Das elaborated on the operation in a statement to ANI, revealing, “During our thorough search of the vehicle, we discovered several small packets of cannabis concealed among the personal belongings of five passengers from Bihar. The total weight of the confiscated cannabis is seven kilograms, with an estimated black market value of around one lakh rupees.” This discovery highlights the ongoing challenges and the persistent efforts required to combat drug trafficking in the area.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Shivani Rani, aged 24, and four men: Bhullu Singh, 28; Amar Nath, 35; Satyaranjan Goin, 43; and Bhullu Kumar, 29. All detainees are residents of Vaishali district in Bihar, pointing to a potentially organized network of traffickers extending beyond regional boundaries.
Following their arrest, a case was promptly registered against the five under the stringent Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Reflecting on the procedural steps taken, OC Das noted that Shivani Rani was transferred to the Dharmanagar Women’s Police Station on Tuesday night, ensuring her detention in appropriate facilities. Meanwhile, the four male detainees are scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, where they will face judicial proceedings related to their alleged involvement in the narcotics trade.
This incident not only marks a significant success for the local police force but also serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against drug smuggling in the region. Authorities remain committed to dismantling such networks and preventing the proliferation of illegal substances, thereby safeguarding the community from the dangers posed by narcotics.