Drugs Worth Rs.1.5 Crore Seized Hidden Under Watermelons at Assam–Tripura Border, Driver and Helper Arrested

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, April 15, 2026

In a major breakthrough on the very first day of the Bengali New Year, the Assam Police achieved a significant success by seizing a huge consignment of illegal cough syrup concealed under a truckload of watermelons at the Assam–Tripura border.

The operation was carried out at the Churaibari check post along National Highway 8 by the Sribhumi district police team. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, police officials intercepted a suspicious six-wheeler truck bearing registration number AS26AC-1102 during routine naka checking in the early hours of Tuesday.

Upon thorough inspection, officers discovered that while the upper portion of the truck was loaded with watermelons, a large quantity of banned cough syrup bottles had been cleverly hidden underneath. A total of 95 cartons of the cough syrup brand Eskaf were recovered. Each carton contained 150 bottles, taking the total seizure to 14,250 bottles.

According to police sources, the estimated black market value of the seized contraband is approximately Rs.1.5 crore.

The driver of the vehicle, Nazrul Islam from Barpeta district in Assam, and the helper, Muslem Mia from Melaghar in Sepahijala district of Tripura, have been arrested in connection with the case.

Speaking on the development, Additional Superintendent of Police of Sribhumi district, Anirban Sharma, stated that the seizure was made during routine checking but was aided by prior intelligence inputs. He confirmed that the consignment was being smuggled from Guwahati to Agartala.

A case has already been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Police have initiated a detailed investigation to uncover the interstate smuggling network behind the operation. Efforts are underway to identify other individuals involved, including the owner of the truck, who will be summoned for questioning.

Police sources further informed that the accused will be produced before the Sribhumi district court on Thursday.

This successful operation once again highlights the vigilance and proactive efforts of Assam Police in curbing drug trafficking along border areas.

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