Meghalaya’s Anti Narcotic Task Force (ANTF) today arrested six suspected drug dealers and seized heroin with a street value of Rs 1 crore.
Thirty-six police personnel from East Jaiñtia Hills and East Khasi Hills were involved in a 12-hour operation that concluded successfully with the seizure of 676 grammes of heroin and 30 strips of benzodiazepine, a powerful hypnotic medicine.
At a press conference here today, Director General of Police LR Bishnoi said that the drugs were seized at 4:30am today morning. Two drug peddlers, identified as Garry Kharnaior (30) and Kmenlang Shabong (20) were arrested. They are residents of Mawlai Stand Bus and Mawlai Mawdatbaki respectively.
“After receiving information from a credible source that a peddler by the name of Garry would be proceeding from Jiribam to Shillong via Silchar carrying a consignment of suspected illegal contraband, the police then set up checkpoints in different areas,” Bishnoi explained.
The pair were travelling on an interstate bus, which was stopped in Khliehriat as part of the police operation at around 3:50am. After questioning, they were searched and some 60 well-wrapped soap cases were found in backpacks that they were carrying. The cases were filled with a yellow-orange powder. The benzodiazepine was also found.
The suspects and the bags were then taken to Khliehriat Police Station where instant tests came back positive for heroin.
The pair quickly informed police of their contact in Mawryngkneng, who was waiting for the consignment. This person, identified as Marvin Jyrwa, was the main financier of the illegal operation, police said.
Accordingly, a police team was sent to Mawryngkneng and they intercepted and detained Jyrwa along with three associates – Meibifil Buam (22), Khrawboklang Kharkongor (29) and Aiborlang Laitmon (28).
Meanwhile, in recognition of their efforts, the 36 police personnel involved in the bust were all given commendation certificates by the DGP.
