Agartala, January 21, 2026: The State Police Crime Branch has achieved a major breakthrough in the sensational Jirania Phensedyl seizure case with the arrest of the alleged mastermind, Deep Prakash Gupta.

According to police sources, Gupta, a resident of Delhi, was apprehended in Uttar Pradesh and subsequently brought to the state. He is expected to be produced before the court today.

The Jirania case drew statewide attention after a huge consignment of Phensedyl cough syrup was recovered from a railway wagon, exposing what investigators described as an international drug trafficking network.

Police believe Gupta played a central role in orchestrating the smuggling operation. Officials said his interrogation could provide crucial leads on other individuals linked to the racket and its cross-border connections.

So far, four persons have been arrested in connection with the case. Among them is Mantanu Saha, who was taken into custody upon his return from Dubai. Investigators recovered incriminating documents from his residence, and on Wednesday, Crime Branch officers raided his warehouse near Amtali Bypass, seizing additional materials.

Despite the progress, the probe has encountered hurdles. A key suspect, Apu Das of Bormura, reportedly fled to Chattogram, Bangladesh, evading arrest. Sources allege Das enjoyed protection from certain police officials, BSF personnel, and even a sitting legislator, complicating efforts to bring him to justice.

In a related development, Crime Branch officials raided the residence of Apu Ranjan Das in Boxanagar on November 11, 2025, recovering documents. However, he too managed to escape.

Authorities have intensified the investigation, focusing on the wider network and its international links. Officials said the crackdown is expected to expose more players involved in the trafficking chain.