Kolkata, 15 October (H.S.):

In a major anti-narcotics operation, the West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) seized a large consignment of illegal cannabis worth over ₹50 lakh from the waiting room of New Cooch Behar Railway Station. Five persons, including a woman, have been arrested in connection with the seizure.

STF Superintendent of Police Indrajit Basu said on Wednesday evening that the operation was carried out based on a specific tip-off regarding a plan to smuggle a large quantity of cannabis by train. Acting on the intelligence, a special STF team kept a close watch at the station and intercepted the suspects on Tuesday evening.

During the search of their luggage, several hundred kilograms of cannabis were recovered. Preliminary investigation revealed that the contraband was being transported from Assam to various parts of West Bengal.

According to STF officials, interrogation of the arrested suspects has led to several important clues about the wider smuggling network. “We are verifying the seized materials and questioning all the accused to identify others involved in the racket,” SP Basu said.

The case has been registered, and further investigation is underway.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh