Cachar Police seize ₹2.1 crore Codeine Phosphate syrup, one arrested
Synopsis
Cachar Police intercepted a truck carrying ₹2.1 crore worth of banned Codeine Phosphate syrup in southern Assam, arresting one person. Officials suspect the haul was part of an interstate trafficking network — the latest strike in CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's sustained #AssamAgainstDrugs campaign.
Key Takeaways
Cachar Police seized banned Codeine Phosphate cough syrup worth ₹2.1 crore after intercepting a truck in Cachar district , southern Assam.
One person was arrested; investigation is ongoing to determine the source and destination of the consignment.
Officials suspect the narcotics were part of an interstate drug trafficking network using Assam as a transit route.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the seizure on 24 May via social media platform X under #AssamAgainstDrugs .
The bust is part of a sustained anti-narcotics crackdown the Assam government has run across border districts and key transit corridors.
Cachar Police in southern Assam have seized a major consignment of banned Codeine Phosphate cough syrup valued at approximately ₹2.1 crore, arresting one individual in connection with the haul. The operation, carried out on the basis of reliable intelligence inputs, is part of the Assam government's sustained crackdown on drug trafficking across the state.
How the Seizure Unfolded
Acting on a tip-off, Cachar Police intercepted a truck in Cachar district during a special anti-narcotics operation in southern Assam. A search of the vehicle revealed a large quantity of banned cough syrup bottles containing Codeine Phosphate, a controlled substance. One person was arrested on the spot, and investigators are working to trace the origin and intended destination of the consignment.
What the Chief Minister Said
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared the development on Saturday, 24 May via social media platform X, posting under the hashtag #AssamAgainstDrugs. 'Based on reliable inputs, a truck was intercepted by @cacharpolice leading to the recovery of Rs 2.1 crore worth of banned Codeine Phosphate Syrup. One individual has been arrested. Our efforts to dismantle the drugs network will continue,' he wrote.
Interstate Trafficking Network Under Scrutiny
Officials suspect the narcotics were being routed through Assam as part of a broader interstate drug trafficking network. Cachar district, situated on the southern edge of Assam bordering Mizoram and Manipur, is considered a key transit corridor for contraband moving between northeastern states. Further investigation is underway to establish the full supply chain.
Part of a Wider Crackdown
This seizure is the latest in a string of anti-narcotics drives conducted across Assam over recent years. The state government has consistently identified drug trafficking as a priority concern, with law enforcement agencies conducting regular operations along border districts and major transit routes. Chief Minister Sarma has repeatedly stated that strict action against drug peddlers and organised trafficking networks will continue until Assam is drug-free.
Point of View
Precisely because it occupies a grey zone — a legitimate pharmaceutical that is easily diverted and trafficked at scale. The Cachar seizure underscores that southern Assam remains a live transit corridor despite repeated crackdowns. What is missing from the public narrative is accountability at the supply end: repeated interceptions suggest the source networks are intact. Until enforcement moves upstream — targeting suppliers and financiers rather than truck-level couriers — headline seizure figures will grow without a corresponding collapse in availability.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was seized in the Cachar drug operation?
Cachar Police recovered a large quantity of banned Codeine Phosphate cough syrup worth approximately ₹2.1 crore from a truck intercepted in Cachar district, southern Assam. One person was arrested in connection with the seizure.
Why is Codeine Phosphate syrup considered a narcotic?
Codeine Phosphate is a controlled opioid-based substance that, when misused in large quantities, produces narcotic effects. Its sale without prescription is banned in India, and it is frequently trafficked as a cheaper alternative to harder drugs, particularly in northeastern states.
Who announced the Cachar drug seizure?
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the seizure on 24 May via social media platform X, sharing details of the operation under the hashtag #AssamAgainstDrugs.
Is there a suspected interstate trafficking link?
Yes, officials suspect the consignment was being transported through Assam as part of an interstate drug trafficking network. Cachar district borders Mizoram and Manipur, making it a known transit corridor for contraband in the region. Investigation is ongoing.
How does this fit into Assam's broader anti-drug drive?
The seizure is the latest in a series of anti-narcotics operations the Assam government has conducted over recent years, focusing on border districts and transit routes. Chief Minister Sarma has repeatedly stated that dismantling drug networks remains one of the state's top priorities.
