The State Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), Meghalaya, in coordination with the West Jaintia Hills Police, seized 48.78 grams of heroin with an estimated illicit market value of approximately ₹7 lakh during an intelligence-based anti-narcotics operation in West Jaintia Hills District on Saturday.
Acting on credible intelligence that two individuals travelling from Silchar towards Shillong were allegedly transporting narcotic substances, the ANTF, in coordination with West Jaintia Hills Police, set up a naka along NH-06 at Phramer.
At around 8:00 AM, a Network Travels passenger bus bearing registration number ML-05-T-8381 was intercepted for checking. During verification, two passengers were identified as Robert Nongrum (33), son of Late Philip Thongni, a resident of Umktait, Nongmynsong, Shillong, and Batskhemlang Jarain (32), son of J. Lyngdoh, a resident of Umktait Block-III, Shillong.
During the search, two plastic soap cases concealed inside their jackets were recovered. The substance found inside the cases was tested on the spot following established procedures and returned positive for heroin. Separate weighment of the recovered packets showed a total net weight of 48.78 grams.
The two individuals were apprehended in connection with the seizure, while further investigation is underway to determine the source of the contraband, its intended destination, the wider supply chain, financial trail and any possible interstate linkages.
The State ANTF, Meghalaya, said it remains committed to intensifying intelligence-based enforcement operations against organised drug trafficking networks operating within and through the state.
The public has also been urged to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by sharing credible information related to narcotics trafficking. Authorities stated that such information would be suitably rewarded as part of the collective effort to build a Drug-Free Meghalaya.