Dhubri (Assam), 21 October (HS): Police have arrested an alleged drug smuggler and seized a substantial quantity of heroin during a joint operation in Assam’s Bilasipara area, officials said on Wednesday.

Bilasipara and Salkocha police jointly conducted the operation on Tuesday night as part of their ongoing crackdown on the illegal drug trade. During the operation, police intercepted a vehicle in the Silkhikhata area and apprehended a man suspected of drug trafficking.

The arrested accused has been identified as Zakir Hussain, a resident of Guwahati. Police also seized a four-wheeler bearing registration number AS-19T-1243, which was allegedly being used in connection with the drug trade.

Meanwhile, an alleged drug kingpin, identified as Babu Khan, managed to escape after abandoning his vehicle during the police operation.

Police sources said raids were continuing to trace and apprehend the absconding suspect. Further investigation into the seizure and the suspected drug trafficking network is underway.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash