Agartala, 2nd July 2026: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has dealt a significant blow to an alleged narcotics smuggling network by seizing over 55,000 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup valued at around Rs 6.54 crore from a railway parcel wagon at Agartala Railway Station. One individual has been taken into custody in connection with the operation.
According to officials, the consignment was intercepted following a specific intelligence input received by the DRI’s Agartala Regional Unit. The railway parcel wagon (VPH No. NR 094527) had been dispatched from Katihar to Agartala as a shipment of general goods under Parcel Way Bill No. 198284 dated June 25, 2026. It reached Agartala on June 30 and was later positioned on Line No. 13 for unloading.A joint inspection was conducted on July 1 by officials from the DRI, Railway Protection Force (RPF), Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF), Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau (SIB), Assam Rifles and railway authorities.
During the search, investigators examined 89 iron drums loaded inside the parcel wagon. While nine drums contained only white powder, the remaining 80 drums were found to be concealing 55,626 bottles (100 ml each) of codeine-based E-SKuf and Fairdyl cough syrup beneath layers of the same white powder. The search and counting process continued overnight before concluding at approximately 7 a.m. on July 2.
Following the seizure, the DRI arrested Subrata Deb (34) the manager of B.K. Enterprise in Agartala. Officials alleged that he had arrived at the railway station to take delivery of the consignment. Deb is a resident of Bathakha village under Kalyanpur Police Station in Tripura’s Khowai district.
Investigators further stated that railway records identified the consignment as having been booked from Katihar by a consignor whose name appears as Chandan Verman of Agartala.
The seized cough syrup has an estimated illicit market value of Rs 6,54,43,989. The DRI’s Agartala Regional Unit has registered a case under the relevant provisions of law and has launched a detailed investigation to identify others involved in the suspected trafficking network.
