Assam: Drug network busted in Margherita tea garden, three arrested, narcotics seized

In a significant breakthrough in the ongoing war against drug trafficking in the Margherita sub-division, the local police, acting on specific intelligence, conducted a targeted anti-narcotics operation on Saturday afternoon, resulting in the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of contraband substances and other incriminating items.

The operation was carried out in the vicinity of the Segunbari Tea Garden, particularly near its factory area, under the supervision of Officer-in-Charge Protap Gogoi of the Margherita Police Station. The operation led to the confiscation of 11.48 grams of suspected narcotic substances, two motorcycles, and four mobile phones, believed to be used in facilitating illegal drug trade activities.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Siddharth Tanti of Dehing Tea, Rama Shankar Shah of Makum Pathar, and Jayanta Mech of Makumqilla—all of whom are residents of areas falling under the jurisdiction of the Margherita Police Station in Tinsukia district.

Following the arrests, a formal case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and the accused are set to be presented before a magistrate for judicial custody.

The swift and effective action by the police has been lauded by the local community, who have expressed growing concern over the increasing presence of drug-related activities in and around tea garden areas of Margherita. The operation marks yet another determined step by the district police in their relentless campaign to curb narcotics trafficking in the region.