Shillong, August 8: The State Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), Meghalaya, in coordination with West Jaintia Hills Police, seized 48.78 grams of heroin valued at approximately ₹7 lakh during an intelligence-based operation in West Jaintia Hills district on Saturday.
According to an official press release, the operation was launched after authorities received credible information that two persons travelling from Silchar towards Shillong were allegedly transporting narcotic substances.
Acting on the information, the ANTF and West Jaintia Hills Police set up a naka along NH-06 at Phramer. At around 8 am, police intercepted a Network Travels passenger bus bearing registration number ML-05-T-8381.
During verification, the two suspects were identified as Robert Nongrum, 33, of Umktait, Nongmynsong, Shillong, and Batskhemlang Jarain, 32, of Umktait Block-III, Shillong.
Police said a search led to the recovery of two plastic soap cases concealed inside a jacket. The substance recovered from the cases was tested on the spot and returned a positive result for heroin. The two packets had a combined net weight of 48.78 grams.
An investigation is underway to determine the source and intended destination of the drugs, supply chain, financial trail and possible interstate linkages connected with the seized contraband.
The State ANTF said it would continue intensifying intelligence-based operations against organised drug trafficking networks operating within and through Meghalaya. It also appealed to the public to share credible information on narcotics trafficking as part of efforts towards building a Drug-Free Meghalaya.
