Has an International Drug Syndicate with Pakistan Links Been Dismantled?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 800 grams of cocaine seized, valued at Rs 8 crore.
- Joint operation by Assam Rifles and Customs Department.
- Indications of Pakistani involvement in drug trafficking.
- Significant blow against illegal drug cultivation in Tripura.
- Operation reflects commitment to a drug-free society.
Agartala, Nov 18 (NationPress) In a significant operation dismantling an international drug syndicate linked to Pakistan, the Assam Rifles, in collaboration with the Customs Department, successfully confiscated 800 grams of cocaine valued at approximately Rs 8 crore and apprehended two drug traffickers in Tripura, officials reported on Tuesday.
A Customs Department representative stated that, acting on precise intelligence regarding a drug-trafficking syndicate smuggling high-purity cocaine into India through the Punjab border from Pakistan, the Agartala Customs Department has disrupted a major narcotics operation spanning multiple states.
The syndicate was reportedly transporting the illegal substances via surface routes to Tripura and other Northeastern states for further smuggling into Bangladesh and Southeast Asian countries through Mizoram.
Following actionable intelligence concerning the Tripura sector, a joint operation was initiated on Monday (November 17), during which two Indian nationals were caught in Agartala with 800 grams of high-purity cocaine.
The Assam Rifles provided surveillance and perimeter security support during this operation.
Initial investigations suggest that the syndicate includes Pakistani nationals alongside Indian operatives from various states facilitating the trafficking network, the official noted.
Earlier, a Defence Spokesman reported that the Assam Rifles, in conjunction with the Customs Department, seized 800 grams of high-grade cocaine in the heart of Agartala, Tripura on Monday.
The confiscated drugs, valued at nearly Rs 8 crore, represent one of the most significant cocaine recoveries in the region in recent months.
The operation, based on credible intelligence, also led to the arrest of two individuals involved in the trafficking attempt.
An official statement highlighted that this operation reflects the Assam Rifles' unwavering commitment to a drug-free society and its relentless efforts to combat narcotics trafficking across the Northeast region.
The force remains dedicated to shielding the youth from the perils of drug abuse and ensuring the safety and security of the region, as stated.
In a separate operation to combat illegal 'ganja' (cannabis) cultivation, state and Central forces successfully executed a large-scale raid on Tuesday across multiple locations in Tripura's Sepahijala district.
A police spokesperson indicated that this initiative was jointly executed by the Sepahijala district Police, troops from four Tripura State Rifles (TSR) battalions, Central Reserve Police Force, Women Tripura State Rifles, district civil administration, and the Forest Department.
The operation, led by Bijoy Debbarma, Sepahijala Superintendent of Police, targeted areas such as Sutarmura, Toktumadum, Chitta Rambari, Ukyamura, Tulamura Kamalnagar, and Ghatigar under the jurisdiction of five police station areas.
This action was informed by credible intelligence gathered by the state police, the spokesperson added.
During this crackdown, nearly 12 lakh semi-mature cannabis plants, valued around Rs 50 crore, were detected and destroyed, marking a significant setback to illegal drug cultivation and trafficking in the region.