Siliguri, 22nd January: The Special Task Force (STF) foiled a major cannabis smuggling operation and seized nearly two quintals of cannabis from a pickup van, arresting two persons in the process. The seized contraband has been estimated to be worth around ₹25 lakh.
According to STF sources, the cannabis was being transported from Alipurduar to Siliguri after being concealed in packets inside a goods carrier pickup van. Acting on specific intelligence, the STF conducted an operation on Teesta Canal Road on Thursday afternoon and intercepted the vehicle.
During the search, 24 packets of cannabis were recovered from inside the vehicle’s body. The total weight of the seized contraband was reported to be close to two quintals.
The arrested accused have been identified as Bimal Das (59), a resident of Alipurduar, and Ranjit Basak (52), a resident of Islampur.
STF sources stated that a well-planned cannabis trafficking network was operating along the Alipurduar–Siliguri route, which has now been disrupted. Both accused will be produced before the Jalpaiguri court, while further investigation is underway to identify other individuals involved in the smuggling network.