Assam Police seize 31,800 bottles of contraband cough syrup worth ₹3.18 crore in Sribhumi
Synopsis
Assam Police intercepted 31,800 bottles of banned cough syrup worth ₹3.18 crore in Sribhumi in a single day — a reminder that codeine-based syrup remains one of the most trafficked substances in northeast India. With an inter-state network suspected and only two arrests made so far, the bigger syndicate is still at large.
Key Takeaways
Assam Police seized 31,800 bottles of suspected contraband cough syrup in Sribhumi district on 28 July 2025 .
The consignment has an estimated market value of ₹3.18 crore .
Two alleged drug traffickers were arrested; their identities have not been disclosed.
A case has been filed under the NDPS Act ; investigation is ongoing to trace the network's source and destination.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma publicly praised the Sribhumi Police on X, calling the seizure a disruption of a larger criminal network.
Police say the crackdown will continue through intelligence-based surveillance operations across the state.
Assam Police seized 31,800 bottles of suspected contraband cough syrup worth approximately ₹3.18 crore in two separate anti-narcotics operations in Sribhumi district, leading to the arrest of two alleged drug traffickers, officials said on Tuesday, 28 July. The raids were conducted on the basis of specific intelligence inputs as part of the state's intensified drive against narcotics smuggling.
How the Operations Unfolded
Acting on targeted intelligence, police intercepted vehicles suspected of transporting contraband through the district. Officers recovered a combined total of 31,800 bottles of banned cough syrup that had been concealed for illegal transportation. Both operations were conducted by the Sribhumi Police under the broader framework of the state government's sustained anti-drug campaign.
Two individuals allegedly linked to the smuggling racket were apprehended during the raids. Their identities had not been disclosed at the time of reporting. The seized consignment carries an estimated market value of ₹3.18 crore and was reportedly destined for distribution through an inter-state trafficking network.
Legal Action and Investigation
A case has been registered under the relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Investigators are working to trace the source and final destination of the seized consignment. Officials confirmed that efforts are underway to identify and arrest other members of the syndicate believed to be operating in and through Assam.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Responds
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma praised the Sribhumi Police in a post on X, saying the sustained crackdown was yielding tangible results. 'Vigilance across Assam is yielding results. Kudos to @sribhumipolice for two successful anti-drug operations resulting in the seizure of 31,800 bottles of suspected contraband worth Rs 3.18 crore and apprehending two accused. Every such interception disrupts a larger criminal network,' Sarma wrote.
Assam's Wider War on Drugs
The Sribhumi seizure is part of a broader pattern. Assam Police have significantly stepped up anti-narcotics operations over the past several years under the state government's declared 'war on drugs' campaign, resulting in frequent large-scale seizures of narcotics, psychotropic substances, and other contraband, alongside the arrest of hundreds of alleged traffickers. Officials reiterated that the crackdown will continue through sustained surveillance and intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling trafficking networks operating across the state.
Point of View
And repeated large seizures suggest the supply chain is resilient despite police pressure. Two arrests in a ₹3.18 crore bust raise an obvious question: who is at the top of the inter-state network? The NDPS Act case gives investigators wide powers, but the pattern of non-disclosure of arrested persons' identities makes independent verification of outcomes difficult. Assam's 'war on drugs' has generated impressive seizure numbers; what is less clear is whether it is dismantling networks or merely forcing them to reroute.
NationPress
28 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Assam Police seize in Sribhumi on 28 July?
Assam Police seized 31,800 bottles of suspected contraband cough syrup worth approximately ₹3.18 crore in two separate anti-narcotics operations in Sribhumi district. Two alleged drug traffickers were arrested during the raids.
What law has been invoked in the Sribhumi drug case?
A case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Investigators are working to determine the source and destination of the seized consignment and to identify other members of the suspected syndicate.
What did Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma say about the Sribhumi drug bust?
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma praised the Sribhumi Police on X, saying 'Every such interception disrupts a larger criminal network.' He credited sustained vigilance across Assam for the result.
Who was arrested in the Assam drug operation?
Two individuals allegedly involved in the smuggling racket were arrested during the operations. Their identities had not been officially disclosed at the time of reporting.
How significant is Assam's anti-drug campaign?
Assam Police have intensified anti-narcotics operations over several years under the state government's 'war on drugs' campaign, leading to frequent large-scale seizures and the arrest of hundreds of alleged traffickers. Officials say intelligence-led operations will continue with the aim of dismantling inter-state trafficking networks.
