Agartala, March 27, 2026: In a major anti-narcotics success on the eve of the elections, police seized a container truck loaded with 4.5 quintals of dried cannabis in Assam’s Patharkandi, while the driver managed to flee and remains absconding.

According to police sources, the operation took place late on Thursday night after a container truck bearing registration number NL01N-4432 allegedly evaded Tripura Police, crossed the inter-state border, and entered the Patharkandi sector through the Kathaltali and Chandkhira outpost route along the national highway, reportedly with the intention of smuggling the contraband to another destination.

Acting on specific intelligence inputs, police intensified naka checking at several strategic points across the area. When the truck reached the Maina Bypass, police personnel signaled it to stop. However, taking advantage of the situation, the driver abandoned the vehicle and escaped from the spot.

A subsequent search of the truck led to the recovery of 38 packets of dried cannabis weighing approximately 4.5 quintals. Police said the estimated black-market value of the seized contraband is around ₹2 crore.

On Friday morning, Anirban Sharma, Superintendent of Police of Karimganj, visited the seizure site along with Manasjyoti Baro and other senior police officials to inspect the operation and review the investigation.

Preliminary information suggests that the cannabis was first transported by train to Chandkhira before being loaded into the container truck for onward smuggling.

Police have launched an intensive manhunt across the region to trace the absconding driver and identify others involved in the trafficking network.

Meanwhile, Badrul Haque, president of the local social organisation GPF, welcomed the police action and said such anti-drug operations ahead of the elections are encouraging for the region.