SENAPATI: A joint team comprising the Special Operations Team (SOT) of Senapati Police, D-78 CRPF, B-109 QAT CRPF, and 16 Assam Rifles apprehended a suspected drug smuggler and seized a large quantity of suspected opium during a frisking and checking operation at T. Khullen check post on Sunday morning.
At around 9:00 AM, the joint security team intercepted an Innova vehicle bearing registration number AS23AK5541, which was fitted with a VIP flag post but was not accompanied by any escort vehicle. The vehicle was stopped for verification.
The driver was identified as Tarkeshwar Singh (45), a resident of Hijuguri Gaon, Margherita, Tinsukia district, Assam.
During inspection, the vehicle was found displaying the insignia of an Army Brigadier, including a VIP flag post with a single star. It also carried a name plate bearing the words “ARMY” on one side and “MINISTRY OF DEFENSE” on the other. As the vehicle was travelling without any escort and the driver was alone, the security personnel conducted a thorough search on suspicion.
The search led to the recovery of 17 packets of suspected opium, weighing approximately 15.350 kilograms (including plastic packaging), concealed in a specially fabricated compartment beneath the vehicle body and near the rear right door.
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In the presence of an Executive Magistrate, the driver was arrested and items including 17 packets of suspected opium weighing 15.350 kg (with plastic cover), One Toyota Innova vehicle bearing registration number AS23AK5541, along with its key and name plate, two mobile phones, one black wallet containing ₹5,000 in cash, one PAN card and one Voter ID card was seized.
Following the seizure and arrest, a case has been registered at Senapati Police Station for further investigation and necessary legal action. The investigation is underway to ascertain the source and destination of the contraband, as well as the circumstances surrounding the use of Army-related insignia on the vehicle.
