Agartala, 28th May 2026: North Tripura Police achieved a significant success at the Panisagar Naka checking point under Panisagar Police Station, where a large consignment of illegal Burmese cigarettes was seized from a six-wheeler truck allegedly disguised under cartons of cold drinks.
According to police sources, acting on confidential SBI intelligence, officers intercepted vehicle registration number WB-89-3093 during routine checking. Upon inspection, police discovered a large quantity of contraband Burmese cigarettes hidden inside the truck. The shipment reportedly consisted of around 40 cartons of cigarettes belonging to two different companies, with an estimated black-market value of approximately Rs 40 lakh.
The driver and co-driver of the vehicle were arrested on the spot. The driver has been identified as Bijoy Mog (38), son of Satai Mog, resident of South Laljuri, Ambassa, Dhalai district, Tripura. The co-driver has been identified as Juel Mia (25), son of late Zakir Hossain, resident of Kumarghat Industrial Area, Unakoti district, Tripura.
During initial interrogation, the accused reportedly confessed that the consignment was loaded from Bhanga, Assam, and was being transported to Agartala. Police have launched a detailed investigation to trace the wider smuggling network involved in the operation.
This seizure comes just days after a reshuffle in the North Tripura police administration on May 23, 2026, when Superintendent of Police Avinash Rai transferred 17 officers including inspectors, sub-inspectors, assistant sub-inspectors, and constables.
Officials stated that further investigation is underway to uncover the full supply chain behind the illegal trade.
