Siliguri, 01stMay: In a major crackdown, the Special Operation Group (SOG) and Matigara police station jointly conducted an operation and arrested seven individuals with 4 kg of brown sugar, estimated to be worth ₹5 crore in the illegal market. Among the arrested are four women. The incident took place late Wednesday night when the accused were returning from a wedding ceremony.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Salima Khatun, Beauty Khatun, Anoara Khatun, Alima Khatun, Mohammad Tamirul, Mohammad Roshan, and Mohammad Samirul — all residents of the Nijbari area in Phansidewa. According to police sources, the group had hatched a plan to smuggle the contraband under the guise of attending a wedding.
Acting on a tip-off, the SOG and local police intercepted their vehicle at a deserted spot near North Bengal Medical College and Hospital. Upon conducting a search, officers recovered 4 kg of brown sugar from the trunk of the vehicle.
In addition to the narcotics, the police also seized the vehicle used for transportation, several mobile phones, and an undisclosed amount of cash. Initial investigations reveal that the brown sugar was sourced from Kaliachak in Malda and was intended for smuggling.
All seven accused, who are reportedly relatives, were produced before the Siliguri court on Thursday and have been taken on remand. Further investigation is currently underway.