Itanagar, May 28: In a major anti-narcotics operation, Longding District Police has seized approximately 52 grams of suspected heroin, 460 grams of opium and cash amounting to Rs 5.93 lakh during raids conducted in Tissa and adjoining areas.
According to Longding Superintendent of Police Dekio Gumja, the operation began on May 26 at around 7 am during routine motor vehicle and ILP checking along the Longding-Tissa road by a team from Tissa Police Station led by Officer-in-Charge Sub-Inspector T W Salingpa. During the checking, police made a chance recovery of a vial containing suspected heroin.
Subsequent inquiry led police to suspect the presence of narcotic substances at multiple locations. Acting on the inputs, a police team led by SI Salingpa, Executive Magistrate Dingzang Baham and DySP (HQ) Kesang Norbu, conducted raids under the supervision of SP Dekio Gumja.
The raids were carried out near the welcome gate at Longding market and at the residence of one Phaton Gangsa at Tissa near the Chitum bridge. During the operation, police recovered approximately 52 grams of suspected heroin, 460 grams of opium, Rs 5,93,000 suspected to be proceeds from drug sales and other incriminating materials.
Five persons, including two women, were arrested in connection with the case. The accused have been identified as Phaton Gangsa (45), Kojam Monwangham (36), Pangleam Monwangham (45), Tadun Wangsu (24) and Sajal Rudra Paul (48).
A case has been registered at Tissa PS vide TSA/PS/Case No. 04/2026 under Sections 18(c)/21(a)/21(b)/27(a)25 of the NDPS Act, and investigation has been entrusted to Inspector Tukut Konia, the SP said.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Mama Natung commended the Longding Police team for the successful operation. In a statement, he praised the efforts of SP Dekio Gumja, DySP Kesang Norbu, the OC of Tissa Police Station and the police personnel involved in the crackdown.
Natung stated that the seizure included suspected heroin worth around Rs 2.23 lakh, opium valued at approximately Rs 2.24 lakh and the highest cash recovery linked to drug proceeds in Longding district so far.
He reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy against narcotics and assured full support to the police in making Longding district drug-free.