Agartala, Nov 10 — In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the Eskuf cough syrup smuggling case, the Tripura Police Crime Branch on Monday carried out simultaneous raids at three properties belonging to Mantanu Saha, allegedly one of the state’s most prominent contraband dealers, in Agartala and Teliamura.
According to officials, the coordinated operation was launched following crucial information obtained during the interrogation of two key accused recently arrested in connection with the case. Arun Kumar Ghosh (58), identified as the kingpin and a resident of Dhaleswar, was nabbed from Kolkata, while his associate, Himanshu Jha alias Sonu (32), was apprehended from Delhi.
The crackdown comes weeks after the sensational seizure of 1,07,800 bottles of Eskuf cough syrup from a goods train at Jirania railway station in West Tripura on October 17 — one of the largest such recoveries in the state’s history. The syrup, which contains codeine phosphate and is often abused as a narcotic, was reportedly being trafficked in large quantities for illegal sale across state borders.
Earlier, the Crime Branch’s anti-narcotics unit had arrested another accused, Rajib Dasgupta from Agartala, believed to be part of the same interstate drug trafficking network.
Police sources said Monday’s raids were aimed at uncovering financial links, storage facilities, and communication records connected to the smuggling racket. Several incriminating documents and digital devices were reportedly seized during the searches.
Officials described the operation as a major step in the state’s intensified war against narcotics. “The Crime Branch is committed to dismantling organized drug trafficking networks and ensuring that those involved face strict legal action,” an official said.
Further investigations are underway to trace the remaining members of the network and uncover their interstate connections.
