Dry Cannabis seized in Churaibari Police check; Truck driver arrested

In a routine naka checking operation, Churaibari police seized packets of dry cannabis (ganja) from a container truck late Saturday night. The incident took place at the Churaibari naka point in North Tripura district.

The truck, bearing registration number AS01-MC-1452 and operated under Saif Express Courier, was en route from Dharmanagar in Tripura to Assam when police stopped it for inspection. During the search, officers discovered two packets of dry cannabis concealed inside a wooden box marked with the courier company’s sticker.

The driver, Rafiqul Islam (30), a resident of Dhutnat area under Chapra police station in Dhubri district of Assam, was immediately taken into custody. His father, late Mesher Ali, was also identified in police records.

The seized contraband was brought to Churaibari police station after being formally documented in the presence of the District Civil Magistrate (DCM) and forensic team. The accused driver has been placed under police custody.

OC Debabrata Biswas confirmed that a case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and investigation has begun. Authorities are probing whether Saif Express Courier has any direct involvement in the smuggling operation. Notably, this is not the first time narcotics have been recovered from vehicles belonging to the same courier company in Tripura and Assam, prompting calls for stricter action against the firm.

Police sources added that the arrested driver was produced before the Dharmanagar District and Sessions Court on Sunday, with a request for police remand to aid further investigation.