GUWAHATI: In a significant development, four opium smugglers were apprehended with a substantial quantity of the illicit substance in Amingaon, Guwahati. This operation, conducted jointly by the Kamrup Police and the Special Task Force (STF) of Assam Police, was executed following a tip-off that led to the interception of a vehicle coming from Manipur, a neighboring state.
During the operation, a Bolero pick-up vehicle was stopped and subjected to a thorough search. It was during this search that the opium consignment was discovered cleverly concealed within a hidden compartment of the vehicle. The total weight of the seized opium consignment was estimated to be approximately 36 kilograms, and the authorities promptly confiscated it.
The value of this seized opium in the international illicit drug markets was estimated at around Rs 6 crores, underlining the gravity of the smuggling operation. This substantial haul serves as a stark reminder of the thriving illegal drug trade that poses a significant threat to public health and security.
In connection with the opium smuggling case, the police successfully apprehended four individuals who were allegedly involved in the illicit trade. The suspects were identified as Montul Ali, Aijul Hoque, Mohammad Shafiqul Ali, and Raju Ali. Their arrests mark a significant breakthrough in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in the region.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, in acknowledgment of the successful operation, commended the Assam Police for their dedication and vigilance. He took to social media, stating, "Acting on a tip-off, @STFAssam intercepted a vehicle coming from a neighboring state and recovered 36 kg of opium hidden in a secret chamber of the vehicle. Four persons were apprehended in this connection. Kudos to @assampolice!"
This operation reflects the continuous efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat the menace of drug smuggling and the associated social and economic challenges it poses. The collaborative approach of multiple law enforcement units, as demonstrated in this case, is crucial in curbing the illegal drug trade and safeguarding communities from its harmful effects.
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