Siliguri, 23rd May: In a major breakthrough, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has busted a large-scale cannabis smuggling network operating from Assam to Uttar Pradesh via Siliguri and seized around 800 kg of cannabis worth nearly ₹4 crore. One driver has been arrested in the operation.
According to information, the NCB received a tip-off that a huge consignment of cannabis was being transported from Assam to Uttar Pradesh through Siliguri. Acting on the input, an NCB team, along with Medical Outpost police, conducted a raid in the Kadamtala area.
During the operation, a Haryana-registered goods truck was intercepted on suspicion. On searching the vehicle, officials discovered a secret chamber inside the driver’s cabin. Upon opening it, around 80 packets of cannabis were recovered, weighing approximately 800 kg.
The driver, identified as Kuldeep Singh, was arrested on the spot. Preliminary investigation suggests that the consignment was being transported from Assam to Uttar Pradesh, using Siliguri as a transit route.
NCB has seized both the contraband and the vehicle. A case has been registered under the NDPS Act, and the accused was produced before the Siliguri court on Saturday.
Officials said that further investigation is underway to identify others involved in the smuggling network. The operation is the second major NCB action in the last 24 hours, indicating heightened surveillance over drug trafficking routes through North Bengal.