Massive Cannabis Haul Found Hidden in Transformers in Churaibari

Agartala, May 12, 2025, By Our Correspondent

Agartala: May 12: In a major breakthrough against drug trafficking, Churaibari police seized a massive consignment of cannabis cleverly concealed inside electrical transformers. The bust occurred on Monday afternoon at the naka checkpoint, where police intercepted a six-wheeled truck traveling from Agartala to Guwahati.

Acting on a tip-off, duty officer Khokon Saha stopped the suspicious vehicle for a routine inspection. During the search, he observed that several bolts on the electrical transformers being transported in the truck were unusually loose. Suspecting foul play, he removed the bolts and discovered packets of dried cannabis hidden inside the hollow metal casings.

Further inspection revealed that all ten transformers onboard the truck were packed with narcotics. A total of 96 packets, each weighing 10 kilograms, were recovered — amounting to 960 kg of cannabis. The estimated street value of the seized contraband is between ₹3.5 to ₹4 crore, making it one of the largest hauls in the region in recent months.

The truck driver, Adesh Kumar (42), and his assistant, Pramod Kumar (59), both residents of Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, were immediately arrested. Police have confirmed that a case will be registered against them under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

Following the operation, senior officials including District Police Superintendent Avinash Rai, Sub-Divisional Police Officer B. Jorin Puiya, and DCM Genius Debbarma reached the checkpoint to oversee the seizure. The cannabis packets were confiscated in their presence.

Officer-in-charge Khokon Saha stated that investigations are underway to identify the larger smuggling network behind this elaborate operation. The accused are scheduled to be produced before the district court on Tuesday. The successful raid has drawn significant attention, sending a strong message to drug traffickers in the region.