Siliguri, 17th November: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized 144 bags of poppy seeds that were being illegally transported hidden behind bamboo. Mohammad Azam, the truck driver, was arrested in connection with the case.
According to sources, DRI received information that a goods-carrying truck with a Uttar Pradesh registration was planning to smuggle poppy seeds under bamboo. Acting on the tip-off, the Siliguri unit of DRI stopped the suspicious truck near Panikauri Toll Plaza on Sunday and conducted a search.
The 144 bags of poppy seeds weighed approximately 8 quintals, with an estimated market value of Rs 98.4 lakh. Reports suggest the consignment was intended for narcotics production.
Mohammad Azam was produced before the Siliguri court on Monday. Ratan Banik, the lawyer representing DRI, said the operation was carried out based on confidential intelligence and the seeds were being smuggled from the northeastern region.