Itanagar, Aug 26: Security forces and police in Arunachal Pradesh have intensified action against narcotics trafficking, with 10 persons arrested and suspected heroin and other narcotic substances seized in three separate operations in Tirap, Banderdewa and East Siang districts.
In Tirap district, a joint team of Assam Rifles, Arunachal Pradesh Police and the CRPF apprehended four persons during an intelligence-based operation at Deomali Gate on Tuesday. The operation was launched following information about the movement of suspected drug peddlers towards Namsangmukh.
The security forces intercepted a white Chevrolet Spark bearing registration number AR-09A-8114 at around 6:15 pm. The occupants were identified as Kaling Mibang, Mibom Tayeng, Tajen Pame and Bai Kambu.
During the search, approximately 47.8 grams of suspected contraband was recovered from Mibom Tayeng. A plastic container containing traces of an orange-coloured powdery substance suspected to be a narcotic drug, along with syringes and other articles, was also recovered from Bai Kambu. Mobile phones, Rs 19,590 in cash, one US dollar and other articles were also seized.
The vehicle was subsequently seized and the four apprehended persons were handed over to Deomali Police Station for further investigation and legal action.
In a separate operation, Banderdewa Police arrested two persons and seized eight vials of suspected heroin during checking at the Banderdewa Check Gate on Tuesday evening.
Police intercepted an Alto bearing registration number AR-01S-5057 at around 5:40 pm and detained Ratum Mengnia, 19, of Dokum Colony, Itanagar, and Bimal Tao, 26, of Namura village under Seijosa Police Station in Pakke Kessang district.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of eight vials containing suspected heroin from beneath the passenger seat. The substance weighed 10.29 grams, including the weight of the vials, police said.
A case has been registered at Banderdewa Police Station under Sections 21(b) and 29 of the NDPS Act, and further investigation is underway.
Meanwhile, in East Siang, four alleged drug peddlers were arrested and 8.26 grams of suspected heroin seized under the ongoing Operation Dawn 2.0.
The operation was conducted on August 19 in the 2-Mile area under Pasighat Police Station jurisdiction following credible information regarding illegal trafficking of narcotic substances.
Police first apprehended Otem Padung of Forest Colony, Pasighat. Based on information obtained during interrogation, Okong Megu was subsequently apprehended from Gumin Nagar. Police said Megu allegedly disclosed that he had received heroin from Ogul Tagi and supplied it to substance abusers. Tagi was subsequently apprehended from Gumin Nagar, while her alleged associate Peeman Manham Taloh was apprehended from 2-Mile, Pasighat.
The searches were conducted in the presence of an Executive Magistrate. Police recovered two vials containing suspected heroin weighing 8.26 grams, along with three tobacco containers, a brass-metal hookah, a plastic hookah and two syringes.
A case has been registered at Pasighat Police Station under Sections 21(b), 29 and 27A of the NDPS Act. The four accused were initially remanded to police custody and later sent to judicial custody by the Sessions Court, Pasighat.
East Siang Superintendent of Police Pankaj Lamba commended the police personnel involved in the operation and reiterated the district police’s zero-tolerance policy towards drug-related offences.
The successive operations underscore the coordinated efforts of the police, Assam Rifles and CRPF to curb drug trafficking and substance abuse in the State. Police authorities have appealed to the public to remain vigilant and share information on illicit drug-related activities to strengthen the ongoing fight against the drug menace.