A joint security team seized 15 kg of suspected opium from a vehicle masquerading as an Army officer's car and arrested its driver during a frisking operation in Senapati district on Sunday.
Operation Details
Police sources said the operation was conducted at T Khullen check post around 9 am by a joint team comprising Senapati police, CRPF, and 16 Assam Rifles under the supervision of Senapati SP Zaib Shaikh.
The vehicle, with a VIP flag post but no escort, was stopped for verification during the checking. Police said the vehicle displayed the insignia of an Army brigadier, including the VIP flag post and a one-star emblem. A nameplate reading 'ARMY' on one side and 'MINISTRY OF DEFENCE' on the other was also found inside the vehicle.
Driver Identified
The driver was identified as 45-year-old Tarkeshwar Singh, son of Rajdeo Singh, a resident of Hijuguri Gaon at Margherita in Assam's Tinsukia district.
Suspicious over the absence of any official escort and the fact that the driver was travelling alone, the security personnel carried out a thorough search of the vehicle. During the inspection, they discovered 17 packets of suspected opium concealed in a compartment beneath the rear right door. Verification established that neither the driver nor the vehicle had any connection with the Army, police said. The accused had allegedly used the Army insignia and nameplate to evade security checks.
Seized Items
Besides the suspected opium, the vehicle, its key, two mobile phones, Rs 5,000 in cash, a PAN card and a voter card were seized from his possession.
Legal Action
Police said a case has been registered at Senapati police station under relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and further investigation is underway.
