Agartala, May 16, 2025: In connection to the recovery of 960 kilograms of dried cannabis worth Rs 4 crore hidden inside electric transformers en route from Agartala to Guwahati on May 12 last, a high-level delegation from Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) rushed to the Churaibari police station on Friday for an urgent investigation.

On-site, TSECL General Manager Swapan Debbarma accompanied by Panisagar DGM and other officials conducted a thorough inspection of the seized transformers. Additional Superintendent of Police Jeremiah Darlong and Churaibari OC Khokan Saha were also present during the inspection.

“These transformers were never meant for electrical work. The size of these units does not match the specifications used by the Tripura Electricity Department. It is clear they were fabricated solely for smuggling purposes,” said GM Swapan Debbarma. He further added that, “The signature found on the document recovered with the transformers is fake.”

The smuggling attempt was uncovered on Monday afternoon, May 12, when Churaibari police intercepted a lorry bearing registration number UP58AT/1128. A total of 96 packets of ganja were found hidden in ten transformers. The police arrested the lorry driver Aodesh Kumar (42) and co-driver Pramod Kumar (59), both from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Documents recovered during the raid are now under scrutiny.

Commenting briefly, ASP Jeremiah Darlong stated, “A detailed report will be submitted by TCECL. As of now, it is confirmed these transformers do not belong to their department.”

The case has prompted authorities to intensify the investigation, focusing on how such equipment was sourced and transported without detection.