Police Conduct Twin Raids in Kumarghat, Seize Burmese Cigarettes and Firecrackers Worth Over Rs 11 Lakh

Kumarghat police foiled suspected smuggling attempts in two separate operations on Friday night, seizing a large consignment of Burmese cigarettes and sound-emitting firecrackers. The raids were conducted along the Assam-Agartala National Highway and the Kumarghat-Kailashahar main road. The total market value of the seized items is estimated to be over Rs 11.15 lakh, Kumarghat police station officer-in-charge Sanjay Das said.

According to police sources, acting on a tip-off, personnel set up a checkpoint at 91 Mile on Friday night. During the search, a vehicle bearing registration number AS 01 EH 9983 was intercepted. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 22 cartons of Burmese cigarettes, valued at over Rs 11 lakh. Two residents of Kailashahar, including the driver, were arrested in connection with the seizure.

In a separate operation later that night, police searched an electric autorickshaw at Saidabari along the Kumarghat-Kailashahar main road. A large quantity of sound-emitting firecrackers was recovered from the vehicle, bearing registration number TR 02 DH 846. The seized firecrackers were valued at more than Rs 15,000. Rajesh Malakar, a resident of Sonaimuri, was arrested in this connection.

The two operations were led by Kumarghat police station Sub-Inspectors Debabrata Shil and Abhirup Das. OC Sanjay Das confirmed that the total value of the seized items exceeded Rs 11.15 lakh. Police said surveillance and enforcement operations would continue to curb smuggling and the illegal transportation of prohibited goods.