ITANAGAR, Jun 24: In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, police in the Itanagar Capital Region arrested two alleged drug peddlers and seized more than 52 grams of suspected heroin in separate operations conducted by Naharlagun and Banderdewa police on Tuesday and Wednesday.
In the first operation, Naharlagun Police arrested Sonny Taba (21), a resident of D-Sector, Naharlagun, following specific intelligence inputs about narcotics-related activities in the area.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of an Executive Magistrate by a team led by SI K Tada and SI V Linggi. During the search, police recovered 19 vials of suspected heroin weighing 20.08 grams (including vial weight) from the accused.
Subsequently, based on information obtained during the investigation, police searched Taba's residence and recovered an additional seven vials of suspected heroin weighing 8.41 grams (including vial weight). Officers also seized Rs 12,900 in cash, suspected to be proceeds from drug peddling.
A case has been registered at Naharlagun Police Station under Sections 21(b), 27 and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
In another operation, Banderdewa Police intercepted a TVS N-Torq scooter (AR-01S-1350) at the Banderdewa Check Gate following intelligence inputs regarding the transportation of narcotic substances from Assam into Arunachal Pradesh.
The naka checking operation was carried out by a team led by Inspector Kipa Hamak, assisted by SI Buddhiman Pegu, ASI Anil Rajbhar, ASI Gyamar Tapin, HC Tade Bomdom and CRPF personnel under the supervision of ASP Rishi Longdo, SDPO Naharlagun.
The suspect, identified as Godak Rajesh (29) of Raga in Kamle district, was found in possession of 19 vials containing suspected heroin weighing 24.44 grams (including vial weight). The contraband was allegedly concealed inside his helmet and wrapped in a black polythene bag.
A case has been registered at Banderdewa Police Station under Section 21(b) of the NDPS Act, and further investigation is underway.
Commenting on the twin seizures, Naharlagun Superintendent of Police Dr Nyelam Nega said the fight against narcotics remains a top priority for the police. He asserted that stringent action would continue against drug traffickers and peddlers and reaffirmed the department's commitment to building a drug-free society through sustained enforcement and public cooperation.
The two operations resulted in the seizure of 52.93 grams of suspected heroin and the arrest of two alleged peddlers within a span of 24 hours, the SP said.