BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 15th July 2025: Churaibari police station staff today arrested the owner of a vehicle allegedly used in a major cannabis smuggling operation earlier this year. The arrest marks a significant breakthrough in the investigation of the April 18 drug bust that revealed over 345 kilograms of cannabis hidden inside food processing machinery.
According to officials, the vehicle bearing registration number TR01AQ1516 was intercepted at a routine check post outside Churaibari police station. Upon inspection, officers found two machines used for puffed rice production, inside which 69 packets of cannabis were concealed. The driver identified as Moita Mohan Jamatia of Khawar Bari under Teliamura Police Station was arrested on the spot. A case (No. 11/25) was registered under sections 20(b)(ii)(C), 25, 29, and 32 of the NDPS Act.
“During interrogation, the driver revealed the vehicle owner’s possible involvement in the smuggling network,” said a police source.
Acting on a tip-off, a plainclothes team led by Additional Officer-in-Charge Pritimoy Chakma, along with support from Airport Police Station, apprehended the vehicle owner, Nanibrata Sarkar (46), from Ward No. 4 of Anandnagar Gram Panchayat. Sarkar, son of the late Sachindra Sarkar, was taken into custody late last night and presented in district court today.
While the arrest has drawn praise for Churaibari police’s proactive investigation, Officer-in-Charge Khokan Saha declined to comment, leading to speculation in media circles. Local administration confirmed that further arrests could follow as the probe continues based on confidential leads.
