Jan. 1: In an anti-smuggling swoop in Beltola this morning, customs officials seized 407.75 kg of ganja from a jeep. The contraband was concealed in secret chambers, built specially for the purpose, in the vehicle.
According to sources in Guwahati customs division, the detectives had prior information about efforts to smuggle in the consignment. A team of officers from the anti-smuggling unit, led by superintendent P.D. Kakati, mounted a strict surveillance on National Highway 37 and intercepted the Mahindra jeep (MN-1A-4916) that matched the description gleaned from informants. Apart from the numberplate displayed on the vehicle, another numberplate (WB-28-B-2069) was also found inside the jeep.
“At first, the vehicle appeared clean. But after thorough rummaging we found the ganja hidden in secret chambers built into the ceiling, the fuel tank and the back-rest of the seats,” joint commissioner of the office of additional commissioner of customs, northeastern region, K. Ashi Khieya, said. The consignment was found in 44 packages of various sizes and along with the impounded jeep is valued at around Rs 12,69, 437.
Two persons travelling on the jeep were arrested and a case registered against them under Section 42/43/49 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. The duo is from Manipur.
Khieya said preliminary investigation indicates that the consignment of ganja was coming from Manipur and was meant for delivery at a place outside Northeast.
“Though the quantity of ganja seized in this case is not as big as the earlier hauls, what is commendable and laudable of this seizure is that the officers diligently performed their duty despite it being the New Year’s eve. Their commitment and dedication shown by the officers is praiseworthy,” Khieya said.
On December 11, sleuths of the anti-smuggling unit had seized 145 packets of ganja weighing 712 kg, valued at Rs 22.8 lakh at Amerigog.
The customs department had destroyed 57,000 kg of narcotic drugs at Chandrapur on the outskirts of the city on November 17.
Reportedly, it was the highest-ever quantity of ganja destroyed in the country in recent times.
