DRI Seizes Rs.5.56 Crore Worth of Codeine Cough Syrup at Agartala Railway Station, One Arrested, Bangladesh Smuggling Angle Under Probe

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, July 2, 2026

In one of the biggest anti-narcotics operations in recent months, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Agartala Regional Unit, has seized 55,626 bottles of Codeine-based cough syrup worth an estimated Rs.5.56 crore in the illicit drug market from a parcel van attached to the Karimganj–Agartala DEMU train. One person has been arrested in connection with the case.Acting on specific intelligence inputs regarding the illegal diversion and transportation of Codeine-based cough syrup, DRI officers intercepted a consignment carried in the parcel van of Train No. 075680 upon its arrival at Agartala Railway Station on July 2.During the search, officials found a large number of blue metallic drums inside the parcel coach. Upon opening the drums, investigators recovered 55,626 bottles of Codeine-based cough syrup of the brands ESkuf and FAIRDYL, cleverly concealed inside 80 metallic drums filled with powdery substances used as cover cargo to evade detection.

The seized consignment, along with the concealment materials, has been confiscated under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.According to DRI officials, a representative of the consignee appeared at the railway station to receive the consignment. During interrogation, he allegedly admitted his conscious involvement in the transportation, possession, and illegal trade of the contraband and was subsequently arrested.

Preliminary investigation has revealed that the consignment originated from Katihar in Bihar and was transported through Karimganj in Assam before reaching Agartala. Investigators suspect the shipment was intended for illegal cross-border smuggling into Bangladesh, a route that has repeatedly been used by organized drug trafficking networks operating in the Northeast.The latest seizure adds to a series of major drug interceptions in Tripura over the past few months, reinforcing concerns that the state continues to be used as a transit corridor for narcotics destined for Bangladesh and other destinations.

Law enforcement agencies, including the DRI, Tripura Police, Customs, and the Border Security Force (BSF), have made several significant seizures of narcotics and psychotropic substances in recent months. These include large consignments of Yaba tablets, heroin, ganja, and Codeine-based cough syrup, many of which were allegedly intended for cross-border smuggling.The repeated recoveries have highlighted the growing challenge posed by organized drug trafficking syndicates exploiting railway networks and border routes through Tripura.

Authorities have intensified surveillance at railway stations, highways, and border checkpoints as part of an ongoing crackdown on narcotics smuggling.Officials said further investigation is underway to identify the entire supply chain, including the source, financiers, transporters, and intended recipients of the seized contraband. More arrests are expected as the investigation progresses.

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