Tripura: Codeine haul worth Rs 1.26 crore seized at Churaibari, two arrested

A joint operation by North Tripura Police and the GST enforcement wing, North Tripura, led to the seizure of a large consignment of codeine-based cough syrup at the Churaibari sales tax gate on January 7, 2026.

Acting on specific intelligence, the team intercepted a truck (registration number WB 53 M 8596) at around 4 pm on suspicion of carrying contraband. Following due procedure and in the presence of a magistrate and witnesses, the vehicle was searched, resulting in the recovery of 12,600 bottles of Eskuf, a codeine-based cough syrup. The seized consignment is estimated to be worth Rs 1.26 crore in the illicit market.

Two occupants of the truck — the driver, Panjab Sheik, and the helper, Based Sheik, both residents of Murshidabad in West Bengal — were arrested at the spot. An NDPS case is being registered against the driver under relevant sections of the law.

Police said the consignment was concealed using ORSL packets to evade detection, indicating a deliberate attempt to smuggle the prohibited substance across the border check post. Further investigation is underway to trace the source and intended destination of the shipment.

A case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act is being registered against the accused under appropriate sections, and further investigation is underway to ascertain the source and intended destination of the consignment. Authorities have termed the operation a significant success in the ongoing efforts to curb the smuggling of narcotic substances through the North Eastern corridor.