Agartala, October 7, 2025: In a major crackdown, Assam Police caught a lorry driver carrying nearly 3,000 bottles of banned Escafe syrup, valued at approximately ₹30 lakh, on Tuesday morning. The arrest comes just 24 hours after another successful operation by the Churaibari police.

According to Pranab Mili, in-charge of the police post, the twelve-wheeled lorry bearing registration number AS01EC-0528 was stopped during a routine check at the naka point around 10 am. The vehicle, coming from Guwahati and belonging to East India Transport, was reportedly carrying retail goods and clothes.

“Despite attempts to hide the contraband, our team’s vigilance uncovered the syrup cleverly concealed in twelve tin boxes designed to resemble electricity meters,” Mili said. Upon opening the boxes, the illegal shipment was immediately discovered.

The driver, identified as Mohammad Rais (50), son of Gol Mohammad, was arrested on the spot. A case has been registered against him under the NDPS Act, and an investigation is underway.

Preliminary inquiries suggest the operation may be linked to a larger inter-state drug smuggling network. Police officials indicated that intelligence efforts are ongoing to track down the ringleaders behind this syndicate. Locals and law enforcement alike remain hopeful that the investigation will soon lead to more significant arrests.