Agartala: Jan 07. In an anti-narcotics and anti-smuggling operation, Panisagar Police under North Tripura district seized a huge consignment of illegal Burmese cigarettes worth around ₹5 lakh and arrested one person in connection with the case.
Acting on tip-off, police intercepted a vehicle bearing registration number TR-04-B-1612 and recovered 4,40,800 sticks of Burmese cigarettes. The seized cigarettes are believed to have been smuggled for black-market sale, police said.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as Rakesh Sarkar, a resident of Gandacherra, was arrested on the spot. Police also confirmed that two other persons were travelling as passengers in the vehicle at the time of the seizure, and their role is being verified.
Speaking to media, Panisagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Gurupada Debnath said the seizure was part of an ongoing crackdown against illegal trade and substance-related offences in the district. Further investigation is underway to trace the source and intended destination of the consignment.
Police have reiterated that such operations will continue to curb smuggling activities and protect the youth from harmful substances.
