Siliguri, 09th February: In a major operation, plainclothes personnel of Bagdogra police station under the Siliguri Metropolitan Police recovered a large consignment of foreign cigarettes worth around ₹20 lakh. A truck used for smuggling was seized and two persons were arrested in connection with the case.
The arrested accused have been identified as Chumir Ali and Moiuddin, both stated to be residents of Assam.
According to police sources, Bagdogra police received specific intelligence inputs about smuggling of foreign cigarettes from Assam through Siliguri. Acting on the tip-off, a surveillance operation was launched near Junglee Baba Mandir Road.
During the operation, a truck bearing Assam registration, coming from Assam, was intercepted on suspicion. On searching the vehicle, police recovered several cartons of foreign cigarettes. The driver failed to produce any valid documents related to the consignment.
Following this, police seized the cigarettes, estimated to be worth around ₹20 lakh, along with the truck, and arrested the two accused. A case has been registered at Bagdogra police station. The arrested persons will be produced before a Siliguri court.
Police said further investigation into the smuggling racket is underway.