Security forces seized 10.8 kg of brown powder suspected to be heroin, with an estimated international market value of around Rs 80 crore, from Makha Basti in Manipur’s Jiribam district and arrested the driver of the vehicle carrying the consignment, officials said on Thursday.
Acting on specific information about the movement of suspected anti-social elements in the area, a joint team of Borobekera Police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Assam Rifles conducted checking and frisking operations on Wednesday.
At around 4.30 pm, the team intercepted a goods truck bearing registration number AS 01 LC 7631. A subsequent search led to the recovery of 10.8 kg of suspected heroin packed in separate packets and concealed beneath the roof of the truck cabin.
The seizure was conducted in the presence of Borobekera Sub-Deputy Collector Md Hefajuddin. Police estimated the international market value of the contraband at around Rs 80 crore.
During questioning, the driver allegedly told police that a person identified as Md Anash, known to him, had concealed the suspected contraband in the vehicle.
The driver, Azahar Hussain alias Monu, a resident of New Khairabad F.V., Lalpani, in Assam’s Cachar district, was arrested at around 5.30 pm after being taken to Jiribam Police Station and completing the required legal formalities.
Police said a case was being registered under relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and other applicable laws. Further investigation was underway to trace the source and intended destination of the contraband and identify others allegedly involved.
