Assam Police STF seizes ₹6 crore worth of heroin, busting a major Manipur-Assam drug cartel; two suspects arrested.
In a significant crackdown, Assam Police’s Special Task Force (STF) intercepted a major drug trafficking operation on October 19, 2024. Acting on a tip-off, the STF arrested two suspects and seized heroin worth ₹6 crore. The drugs, concealed in secret compartments within a vehicle, were being transported from Manipur’s Kangpokpi district to Assam, specifically intended for a recipient in Guwahati.
The operation highlights Assam’s ongoing battle with drug smuggling Heroin , with the route between Manipur and Assam being a critical pathway for traffickers. The seized consignment was headed for Murtaza Ahmed, alias Bhulu, based in Guwahati, a known figure in the local drug distribution network.
The STF conducted the operation late at night, launching a search for the vehicle based on intelligence gathered. Upon stopping the vehicle, officers discovered several kilograms of heroin, skillfully hidden. The drug bust underscores the relentless efforts of law enforcement to curb the rampant drug trade in Assam, which has surged in recent years, driven by networks operating out of neighboring states like Manipur.
In recent years, Assam has become a significant target for drug cartels due to its proximity to the “Golden Triangle,” a region that spans Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos—one of the largest drug-producing areas in the world. Smugglers often route drugs through Manipur, making it a key trafficking hub.
This Heroin seizure is part of a larger trend of increasing heroin confiscations across Assam, reflecting the growing scale of the problem. Over the past year, multiple high-profile busts have been made, with several crores worth of narcotics confiscated. These operations have resulted in the arrest of numerous individuals involved in both the transportation and distribution of illicit drugs.
However, the battle against drug cartels is far from over. Assam’s police force has intensified efforts, utilizing technology, intelligence networks, and interstate cooperation to combat this menace. Police are also focused on dismantling the supply chains and financial networks that fund these cartels. Authorities believe that continued pressure will eventually disrupt the trafficking networks and limit the flow of drugs into the state.
Despite these efforts, the demand for narcotics, especially among youth in Assam, remains a significant challenge. To combat the rising addiction problem, the government has launched numerous public awareness campaigns and rehabilitation programs, aiming to curb both supply and demand.
This latest seizure is a significant victory for Assam’s STF, but it also underscores the complexity of the drug trafficking problem in the Northeast, which involves not only local but also international players.
Moving forward, police have vowed to continue their crackdown, with operations expanding beyond Assam and into neighboring states to target the entire drug supply chain. The arrest of the two suspects linked to the consignment has provided crucial information, leading to further investigations that could dismantle even more segments of the cartel.
The Assam Police’s success in this case has earned them accolades, but it also raises awareness about the deep-seated issue of drug trafficking in the region. As the state continues its fight against the influx of illegal narcotics, cooperation with national and international law enforcement agencies will be critical in tackling the roots of the problem.
The arrest of high-profile figures like Murtaza Ahmed sends a clear message to other traffickers: the state’s law enforcement agencies are committed to eradicating this illicit trade. With more stringent operations in place and increasing public support, Assam may eventually curb the pervasive drug trafficking that has plagued the region for years
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