Karimganj, Oct 5 — A major drug bust at the Churaibari checkpost on the Assam–Tripura border has triggered widespread controversy after police seized a large consignment of narcotic cough syrup from a Kolkata-to-Agartala-bound truck.
According to police sources, the 12-wheeler truck (WB-23-D-7176) was intercepted late Friday night at Churaibari Watch Post in Assam’s Shribhumi district. Initially, the driver claimed the vehicle was carrying bitumen drums, but a detailed search revealed hidden cartons of ESKUF-brand cough syrup, a controlled narcotic substance.
Police recovered 21,600 bottles of the syrup from 144 cartons, each containing 150 bottles. The estimated black-market value of the seized drugs is over ₹1.08 crore. The driver, identified as Syed Afridi, a resident of West Bengal, was arrested on the spot. During interrogation, he reportedly said he was paid ₹12,000 to transport the consignment from Malda, West Bengal, to Tripura and denied any knowledge of the actual owner of the shipment.
However, the incident has taken a dramatic turn amid allegations that a large portion of the seized consignment went missing between the truck’s detention on Friday night and its formal seizure on Sunday morning. Sources allege that mysterious delays in showing the official seizure may have allowed the removal of a significant part of the consignment.
Eyewitnesses also reported two AS-numbered WagonR cars moving suspiciously around the area during that period, raising further doubts about possible internal collusion.
The episode has reportedly sparked internal tension within Assam Police, with questions being raised over procedural lapses and alleged misconduct.
Meanwhile, a case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and a full-fledged investigation is underway. Local residents have demanded a transparent probe to expose all those involved in the suspected drug racket.
