Tripura, 13 April 2026: In a major crackdown on illegal smuggling, police in Kailashahar seized a large consignment of illicit Burmese cigarettes worth approximately ₹3 lakh on Sunday.
Acting on a tip-off, a team from Kailashahar Police Station led by Officer-in-Charge Tapas Malakar launched an operation in the Siphon Market area along DK Road. During the campaign, police intercepted a suspected white Maruti Baleno (registration number TR-02-M-0401).
Upon conducting a thorough search of the vehicle, officials recovered a substantial quantity of illegal Burmese cigarettes hidden inside.
Two youths travelling in the car were detained in connection with the seizure. The accused have been identified as Rakesh Bhowmik (23), a resident of Machhmara Pecharthal, and Tarif Sarkar. Preliminary investigation suggests that the consignment was transported from Machhmara to Kailashahar via Kumarghat.
Police have registered a specific case and initiated a detailed investigation to uncover the larger network involved in the smuggling operation. Interrogation of the arrested individuals is currently underway to gather further leads.
The incident has triggered tension in the area, with locals viewing the police action as a significant step toward curbing illegal trade and cross-border smuggling activities.
