Cachar (Assam) [India], October 10 (HBTV): Assam Police recovered and seized 21,600 bottles of illegal cough syrup worth INR 2.16 crore in Cachar district, officials said on Thursday. Two persons have been apprehended in connection with the case.
Numal Mahatta, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Cachar district, stated that based on credible intelligence, a special operation was launched against the illegal transportation of narcotic substances at Rongpur, under the jurisdiction of Silchar Police Station.
‘The police team intercepted a suspected truck at Madhura Point, Rongpur, bearing registration number WB-29B-1996, coming from Kolkata via Lumding–Silchar Road and heading towards Tripura. During a thorough search, the team recovered 36 iron drums, each containing four cartons of ESKUF cough syrup, with 150 bottles per carton, totalling 21,600 bottles,’ Mahatta said.
He added that two individuals, identified as Bapi Halder (45) and Tapash Biswas (42), both residents of West Bengal, were apprehended. The seizure was conducted in the presence of independent witnesses.
The SSP further stated that the estimated market value of the seized contraband is approximately INR 2.16 crore and that the preliminary investigation revealed the illegal consignment was being transported from West Bengal. Further investigation is underway.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma lauded the police for their strong action, writing on X, ‘@cacharpolice, acting on credible intel, intercepted a vehicle coming from a neighbouring state at Rongpur and seized 21,600 bottles of cough syrup worth INR 2.16 crore. Two peddlers arrested. @assampolice’s strong steps and clear message.’
The crackdown comes amid a nationwide alert following the deaths of 22 children in Madhya Pradesh linked to contaminated cough syrup.
(ANI)