Meghalaya ANTF seizes heroin worth ₹5 lakh in twin Umiam operations

SHILLONG, AUG 11: The Meghalaya Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) has intensified its crackdown on interstate drug trafficking networks, seizing 32.64 grams of heroin valued at approximately ₹5 lakh in two intelligence-based operations at Umiam and arresting two persons. With the latest seizures, the State ANTF has recovered over 80 grams of heroin in the last three days and arrested four alleged drug traffickers, signalling stepped-up enforcement against the movement of narcotics through Meghalaya.
Superintendent of Police, ANTF, Vikash Kumar said, “With these two operations, the State ANTF has seized over 80 grams of heroin in the last three days and arrested 4 notorious drug traffickers, reflecting intensified enforcement against interstate drug trafficking networks.” Acting on credible intelligence inputs, ANTF personnel set up nakas at strategic locations in the Umiam area to intercept suspected drug traffickers travelling towards Shillong. In the first operation, a vehicle bearing registration number AS-01-AV-1166 was intercepted at Lad Umiam. The occupant, Allan Marwein of Mawlai Nongkwar, Block-13, Shillong, was searched in the presence of independent witnesses after all prescribed legal formalities were observed. One soap case containing suspected heroin was recovered from the vehicle. The substance tested positive for heroin and weighed 10.93 grams.
Later in the night, another intelligence input led ANTF personnel to intercept a Scooty bearing registration number ML-05-AB-9546 after the rider allegedly attempted to evade the naka at Umiam. The rider, Jaziel Nongjop Syiem, was detained and searched in accordance with prescribed legal procedures. Two soap cases containing suspected heroin were recovered concealed inside his jacket. The substance tested positive for heroin, with a combined net weight of 21.71 grams. In both cases, the contraband was seized after completion of mandatory legal formalities under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, and the accused were arrested for further legal action. The ANTF SP said the operations reflected its “unwavering commitment to disrupting the supply of narcotic drugs and dismantling organised drug trafficking networks operating in and through Meghalaya”, as part of the Meghalaya Police’s broader strategy to curb the drug menace and safeguard the youth of the State.