In a major crackdown on narcotics smuggling, police in North Tripura seized a large quantity of dry cannabis during a routine vehicle check at the Churaibari checkpost along the Tripura–Assam border early Friday morning.

During checks on National Highway 8, police intercepted an Alto car bearing registration number TR05B–0314 and recovered a substantial amount of cannabis concealed inside the vehicle. Officers discovered 24 packets of dry marijuana hidden inside bags carried by four women passengers as well as in several secret compartments within the car, including the dashboard and areas beneath the seats. 

The total weight of the seized contraband was approximately 20 kilograms, with an estimated black-market value of several lakh rupees.

The four female passengers arrested have been identified as residents of Bihar: Mongli Devi (28), Kavita Devi (35), Anita Devi (38) and Suturu Kumari (30). The driver, Sandeep Malakar (30), a resident of the Dharmanagar–Haflong area of North Tripura, was also taken into custody.

Churaibari Police Station Officer-in-Charge Debabrata Biswas stated that the smugglers had used “highly strategic methods” to hide the packets. Initially, the passengers appeared to be ordinary travelers, which reduced suspicion. However, inconsistencies in the vehicle’s movement prompted officers to conduct a more thorough search, leading to the discovery.

According to OC Biswas, preliminary investigation suggests that the accused had procured the cannabis from the Ambassa region and were planning to transport it to Bihar. Police believe the group is part of an active smuggling network that has been using this route for a considerable period.

An investigation is underway to trace the wider network and identify others involved in the smuggling operation.