In a major breakthrough against the illegal liquor trade, Border Security Force (BSF) jawans of the 97th Battalion today seized a huge consignment of foreign liquor worth around ?2.5 lakh while it was being smuggled into Tripura from Assam. Two drivers have been arrested in connection with the case.
According to reports, at around 11 a.m. on Sunday, BSF personnel were patrolling the Assam-Agartala National Highway near Lowerpoa when they intercepted two Bolero vehicles bearing registration numbers AS11S-5551 and AS11Y-2117.
Upon inspection, the vehicles were found loaded with 111 cartons of foreign liquor of different brands.
The vehicles and seized liquor were later handed over to Churaibari Police Station. The arrested drivers have been identified as Badsha Mia, son of late Salam Mia, and Subir Das, son of late Shankar Das—both residents of Dharmanagar under the jurisdiction of Dharmanagar Police Station.
Police have registered a case under Sections 16/25 and 69 of the Tripura Excise Act. The duo is currently in police custody for further interrogation.
Officials said the liquor was allegedly being smuggled for distribution in the state’s black market, which has long been under the control of local drug dealers. Today’s seizure is being seen as a significant step in cracking down on the illegal trade network operating across the Assam-Tripura border.
