Shillong, Aug 8: The State Anti-Narcotics Task Force, Meghalaya, in coordination with West Jaintia Hills Police, seized 48.78 grams of heroin valued at approximately Rs. 7 lakh during a joint intelligence-based operation in Phramer area on Saturday.
Acting on credible information that two individuals travelling from Silchar towards Shillong were carrying narcotic substances, the ANTF and local police set up a NAKA along NH-06. At around 8 am, a Network Travels passenger bus bearing registration number ML-05-T-8381 was intercepted for checking.
During verification, two passengers were identified as Robert Nongrum, 33, of Umkdait, Nongmynsong, Shillong, and Batskhemlang Jarain, 32, of Umkdait Block-III, Shillong. A search of their luggage led to the recovery of two plastic soap cases concealed inside a jacket.
The substance was tested on the spot as per established procedure and returned positive for heroin. On separate weighment, the two packets weighed a total of 48.78 grams. Both accused were taken into custody and a case has been registered.
Officials said investigation is underway to ascertain the source of the consignment, its intended destination, the supply chain, financial trail and possible interstate linkages linked to the seized contraband.
The State ANTF said the operation reflects its sustained campaign against drug trafficking networks operating within and through Meghalaya. It added that intelligence-based enforcement drives will be intensified in the coming weeks to curb the movement of narcotics across key transit routes.
The Task Force has also appealed to the public to extend cooperation by sharing credible information on narcotics trafficking. It said such inputs will be suitably rewarded as part of the collective effort to build a Drug-Free Meghalaya.
Police said further questioning of the arrested persons is being carried out to trace backward and forward linkages, and that more arrests cannot be ruled out as the probe progresses.
