Agartala, April 13, 2026: Tripura Police achieved a major breakthrough on Monday afternoon by seizing a large consignment of illegal Burmese cigarettes from a VIP vehicle and detaining two youths in connection with the case.

Acting on a confidential tip-off, a joint team of police personnel and TSR jawans, led by Kailashahar police station’s OC Tapas Malakar, conducted a strategic operation in the Siphon area of Kailashahar. During the naka checking, a luxury Bolero vehicle (TR02M0401) was intercepted and thoroughly searched.

Police officials reported that a substantial quantity of Burmese cigarettes was recovered from the vehicle, which had been cleverly concealed using various methods. The estimated market value of the seized contraband is around ₹3 lakh.

The detained individuals have been identified as Rakesh Bhowmik and Tarif Sarkar, both residents of Pecharthal. They are currently being interrogated, and a detailed investigation has been launched to uncover the broader network involved in the smuggling racket.

Speaking on the matter, OC Tapas Malakar revealed that attempts to smuggle Burmese cigarettes into Bangladesh through Kailashahar—via routes such as Pecharthal, Panisagar, and Kumarghat—have been ongoing for some time. He added that the police have successfully intercepted several such consignments in recent months.

The seized vehicle has been taken into custody at Kailashahar Police Station, and further legal proceedings are underway.