Bishalgarh, Feb 23: In a major anti-smuggling operation, police from Srinagar Police Station seized Burmese cigarettes worth approximately ₹60 lakh from a container truck at Khayerpur bypass road on Sunday night and arrested the driver.
Acting on a specific tip-off, a police team led by Officer-in-Charge Arunodaya Das, along with Second Officer Narayan Sen and TSR personnel, laid an ambush along the Khayerpur bypass a route long suspected of being used by smugglers to transport contraband.
During the operation, police intercepted a container truck bearing registration number: TR-05-J-1706 coming from the Khayerpur side. Upon searching the vehicle, officials recovered 37 cartons containing a total of 3.7 lakh Burmese cigarettes.
According to police sources, the consignment was allegedly being transported outside the state for illegal trade. The estimated market value of the seized cigarettes is around ₹60 lakh.
The driver of the truck has been detained, and legal proceedings are being initiated against him under relevant sections of the law.
The Khayerpur bypass has reportedly emerged as a vulnerable corridor for smuggling activities due to intelligence gaps, allowing illegal operators to function frequently. Police officials stated that intensified surveillance and further investigation are underway to dismantle the larger network involved.
Authorities indicated that more arrests may follow as the probe continues.
