Agartala, Jan 8: In a major anti-narcotics operation, a joint team of North Tripura Police and the GST enforcement wing, North Tripura, seized a huge consignment of codeine-based cough syrup at the Churaibari sales tax gate on January 7, 2026. The operation dealt a significant blow to drug smuggling networks operating through the Northeast corridor.
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, officials intercepted a truck bearing registration number WB 53 M 8596 at around 4 pm on suspicion of carrying illegal substances. The vehicle was searched following all legal procedures, in the presence of a magistrate and independent witnesses. The search led to the recovery of 12,600 bottles of Eskuf, a prohibited codeine-based cough syrup, with an estimated illicit market value of Rs 1.26 crore.
Two individuals travelling in the truck were arrested on the spot. They were identified as the driver, Panjab Sheik, and the helper, Based Sheik, both residents of Murshidabad district in West Bengal. Police confirmed that an offence under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act is being registered against the accused under relevant sections.
Investigators revealed that the cough syrup bottles were deliberately concealed beneath packets of ORSL to evade detection at the border check post, pointing to a well-planned smuggling attempt. Authorities have launched a detailed investigation to trace the origin of the consignment and identify its intended destination.
Officials described the seizure as a major success in ongoing efforts to curb the trafficking of narcotic substances through Tripura and adjoining regions, reiterating that strict enforcement and coordinated action will continue against drug smuggling networks operating in the region.
