Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the Anti Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) of Meghalaya arrested three inter-State drug traffickers during a naka operation in Tikrikilla, West Garo Hills district, on June 15 and seized 53 grams of suspected heroin, along with two motorcycles and three mobile phones, in a major crackdown on an alleged inter-State narcotics network operating across the Northeast.
Investigators suspect the arrested individuals to be part of a larger organised crime syndicate involved in inter-State drug trafficking, with the ANTF now probing both forward and backward linkages to unravel the wider network.
The operation, carried out under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, resulted in the recovery of five plastic soap boxes containing suspected heroin weighing a total of 53 grams. The ANTF team also seized two motorcycles and three mobile phones believed to have been used in the alleged trafficking activities.
Superintendent of Police, ANTF, Vikas Kumar said, “Following three persons were apprehended: Sahidul Hussain, 35 yrs, S/o Shri Mojibur Rohma R/o Gumaijhar, Simlabari, Goalpara, Assam, Saddam Hussain, 35 yrs, S/o Shri Jafar Ali R/o Rajmita Pantai, PS Lakhipur, Dist. Goalpara, Assam and Rashidul Hoque, 23 yrs S/o Shri Kudus Ali R/o Chataimari, PS Lakhipur, Dist. Goalpara, Assam.”
A case under the NDPS Act has been registered at Tikrikilla Police Station in West Garo Hills.
“The above persons are suspected to be part of larger organised crime syndicate operating inter-state drug trafficking nexus. The team of ANTF is investigating the matter for forward and backward linkages,” Kumar said.
The latest seizure comes amid intensified efforts by Meghalaya’s anti-narcotics agencies to dismantle trafficking routes passing through the region and identify the broader network of suppliers, couriers and financiers behind the illegal drug trade.
Appealing for public cooperation, the ANTF urged citizens to share any information related to the accused or other individuals involved in drug trafficking activities.
“If any person has any information about the accused, his accomplices or any miscreants involved in drug trafficking, the information may be shared with Meghalaya ANTF. The identity will be kept secret and a suitable reward will be given to such volunteers,” Kumar added.
