In a significant blow to the narcotics trade in Northeast India, the Assam Police have successfully intercepted a massive consignment of contraband. On Tuesday, officials confirmed that 20,000 Yaba tablets seized in the Cachar district have a market value of approximately ₹3 crore. This operation marks another milestone in the state’s ongoing “War on Drugs,” which aims to dismantle trafficking networks operating across state borders.
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Details of the Operation at Jirighat
The recovery took place following a precise intelligence-led operation. A specialized team from the Cachar District Police launched a raid at the Jirighat PHE Road area. During this operation, they apprehended a woman who was allegedly transporting the illegal substances.
The arrested individual has been identified as Rahenliu, a resident of Tamenglong district in Manipur. Upon a thorough search of her person and belongings, the police discovered the large cache of “crazy medicine.” According to Cachar Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Partha Protim Das, the 20,000 Yaba tablets seized weighed roughly 2,155.2 grams. The team conducted the entire seizure in the presence of independent witnesses to ensure full compliance with the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Strengthening the Crackdown on Narcotics
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took to social media to commend the police for their swift action. He reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting the youth from the devastating effects of substance abuse. The Chief Minister noted that the 20,000 Yaba tablets seized represent a significant victory in the mission to “squeeze” the drug network in the region.
This specific bust is part of a broader trend of intensified policing. Because Cachar shares boundaries with both Manipur and Mizoram, it often serves as a transit point for synthetic drugs entering from across the international border with Myanmar. Consequently, the state has increased its vigil in these sensitive zones.
Key Highlights of the Recent Drug Seizures:
- High-Value Recovery: The estimated black market value of the 20,000 Yaba tablets seized is nearly ₹3 crore.
- Inter-State Linkages: The arrest of a Manipur resident suggests that trafficking routes are becoming increasingly complex and cross-border in nature.
- Concurrent Heroin Bust: On the same night, Cachar police conducted a separate raid at Sunabarighat Bypass. They recovered 406 grams of heroin and arrested five additional suspects.
- NDPS Protocol: Every step of the Tuesday operation followed strict legal guidelines to ensure a strong case during the judicial process.
The Rising Threat of Yaba in Northeast India
Yaba, which means “crazy medicine” in Thai, is a highly addictive stimulant. It typically contains a potent mixture of methamphetamine and caffeine. Over the last year, the Northeast has seen a surge in the availability of these tablets. Because they are easy to transport and highly profitable, criminal syndicates frequently target young people.
The 20,000 Yaba tablets seized this week highlight the scale of the challenge facing local law enforcement. However, the consistent success of the Cachar police shows that intelligence-gathering is improving. SSP Partha Protim Das stated that the department is now working to find the “forward and backward linkages” of this consignment to identify the kingpins behind the trade.
Future Outlook for a Drug-Free Assam
The state government has made it clear that there will be no leniency for those involved in the narcotics trade. By targeting the supply chains, the police hope to reduce the availability of drugs in local markets. The recent 20,000 Yaba tablets seized in Cachar send a strong message to traffickers that the region is no longer a safe corridor for their activities.
As the investigation into Rahenliu’s connections continues, more arrests are expected in the coming days. The local community in Cachar has welcomed the police action, as many families have been affected by the rising drug menace. With continued public support and advanced surveillance, the Assam Police aim to achieve their goal of a completely drug-free state.
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