Guwahati (Assam) [India], May 13 (HBTV): The Assam Police apprehended two individuals and seized a large consignment of foreign-made cigarettes from their possession in Guwahati, officials said on Monday.

According to police officials, a total of 1,59,600 cigarettes, one LP truck, and one pickup van were seized during the operation. The arrested individuals have been identified as Chandan Barman (48) and Pranjal Das (25).

Rajib Saikia, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Assam Police, stated that the seizure followed a tip-off about large-scale illegal dealing of foreign cigarettes in the Lalmati area of Guwahati. Acting on this information, the Basistha Police launched a search operation on Sunday night.

‘During the operation, the police team found an LP truck loaded with cement. It was observed that a significant quantity of foreign cigarettes was being unloaded into a Tata Intra pickup van. The police apprehended two individuals on the spot. The accused failed to produce any valid documents regarding the possession and transportation of the cigarettes,’ Saikia said.

He further informed that police seized 798 packets of ESSE Light Slim cigarettes—each packet containing 10 small boxes, with each box holding 20 sticks. The cigarettes were identified as being manufactured under the authority of KT & G, Korea.

A total of 1,59,600 cigarettes, one LP truck, and one Tata Intra pickup have been confiscated. Further investigation is underway.

(ANI)