Guwahati, October 10, 2025 — In a major crackdown on the illegal drug trade, the Assam Police seized 21,600 bottles of banned cough syrup valued at ₹2.16 crore during a late-night operation in the state’s Karimganj district. The haul marks one of the biggest seizures in recent months and underscores the state police’s continued efforts to combat the growing menace of pharmaceutical smuggling across India’s northeastern borders.
Officials confirmed that the cough syrup, suspected to be Phensedyl, was being smuggled into the state from a neighboring region with the intention of being transported across the India-Bangladesh border. Acting on a credible intelligence input, a team from the Karimganj Police intercepted a truck near the Nilambazar area late Thursday night. Upon inspection, they found thousands of bottles concealed under legitimate cargo materials.
Massive Operation Led by District Police
Superintendent of Police (Karimganj) Partha Pratim Das said the operation was meticulously planned following a week-long surveillance of suspected routes. “We had specific intelligence inputs about a consignment of illegal cough syrup being transported through the Karimganj corridor. Acting swiftly, our team intercepted the vehicle and discovered 21,600 bottles packed in multiple cartons. The estimated market value is around ₹2.16 crore,” he said.
The truck driver has been detained for questioning, and further investigations are underway to identify the key players behind the smuggling network. Police suspect that an organized syndicate is involved, operating across state lines and possibly linked to cross-border trafficking groups.
The seized cough syrup is known to contain codeine phosphate, a controlled substance that is often misused as a narcotic. Authorities noted that such smuggling poses a serious threat to public health and has been on the rise in the region, particularly along the Assam–Tripura–Bangladesh border belt.
Rising Concern Over Drug Trafficking in Northeast
Over the past few years, Assam has emerged as a critical route for smuggling of narcotics and psychotropic substances. The state’s proximity to international borders makes it a transit point for illegal substances entering from neighboring countries and being distributed across India.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who has consistently emphasized a “zero-tolerance policy” against drugs, has praised the police for their swift action. “The Assam Police continue to demonstrate exceptional vigilance and commitment in protecting the state from the drug menace. This seizure reflects our collective determination to eliminate the supply chain of illegal substances,” a government statement read.
Police data indicates that since 2021, thousands of cases involving narcotics and banned pharmaceuticals have been registered in the state. The latest operation, officials said, represents not just a seizure of contraband but also a disruption of a larger network that preys on vulnerable populations, especially youth.
Continued Vigilance and Legal Action
The Karimganj Police have registered a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and the seized materials have been sent for forensic analysis. Teams are now tracing the source of the consignment and identifying the end destinations where the syrup was to be delivered.
“We are following multiple leads and coordinating with other state police units. The goal is not only to catch those involved in transportation but to dismantle the entire network,” said SP Das. “The seizure is a reminder that no one involved in drug trafficking will be spared, regardless of their position or influence.”
Local residents in Karimganj have also lauded the police’s action, calling it a much-needed step against the growing presence of narcotics in border regions. Several civic organizations have urged authorities to intensify checks at transport hubs and warehouses that are often used as temporary storage points by traffickers.
A Message of Determination
This latest bust by the Assam Police reinforces their ongoing war on drugs, showcasing the state’s resolve to cut off both supply chains and demand networks. With nearly ₹2.16 crore worth of illegal cough syrup now out of circulation, the operation stands as a powerful example of how intelligence-driven policing can yield results.
As investigations progress, the Assam Police are expected to coordinate with national agencies to trace the smuggling route and ensure that the culprits face the full weight of the law. The seizure not only sends a clear message to traffickers but also serves as a warning that the state’s vigilance against the drug trade remains unwavering.
The operation in Karimganj stands as a testament to Assam Police’s dedication to protecting its citizens and maintaining the integrity of its borders—proving once again that the fight against narcotics is as relentless as ever.
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