Drugs worth several lakhs seized along Assam-Nagaland border

A CORRESPONDENT

BOKAJAN: Despite the recent crackdown on smuggling of banned drugs and psychotropic substances by Karbi Anglong Police, persistent smuggling of drugs by guileful peddlers continue along the NH-36 and NH-39 unaffected. In a similar incident, the Khatkhati police seized a huge quantity of opium worth several lakhs from a fuel tanker along Assam-Nagaland border in East Karbi Anglong on Wednesday.

As reported, the Khatkhati Police, acting on a tip-off, intercepted a fuel tanker bearing registration number NL 01G 9867 in front of SBI Khatkhati branch over NH-39 and on thorough search, the police recovered 30 packets of opium concealed inside the cabin of the vehicle. The approximate value of the seized consignment is reported to be over Rs 30 lakh in the black market.

The drugs were seized under the physical supervision of John Das, SDPO Bokajan. Police have also arrested the driver, Prem Serpa (29) and the co-driver, Khemraj Rizal (36) in connection. Both are residents of Manipur.

Meanwhile, in another major haul, the Dillai police seized 3 kg of Crystal Methamphetamine and 1 kg of morphine from a truck over NH-36 on Wednesday afternoon. The seized contraband were concealed inside tea packets of Chinese origin and were seized from a Guwahati-bound truck bearing registration number AS 01KC 5436. Primary investigation revealed that the seized contraband was brought from Manipur. Four persons, including the driver of the vehicle, have been arrested in connection.

The seizure of Crystal Meth in Karbi Anglong suggests a new trend among the smugglers and also indicates a shift in drug trafficking through the area. Earlier, drugs seizures by the Karbi Anglong police had either heroin or WY tablets as the basic components.

Also read: Four held for drug possession by Assam Police in Morigaon

Also Watch: Environmental Activists Demand National Park Status for Jeypore Rain Forests in Assam