In a major anti-narcotics operation, police in Kamalpur arrested three drug traffickers and seized 21.5 kilograms of cannabis during a checkpoint inspection at the Durga Choumuhani naka point on Sunday.

According to police sources, intelligence inputs indicated that a vehicle carrying a large quantity of cannabis was moving from Agartala toward an interstate destination for illegal trafficking. Acting on the tip-off, police strengthened surveillance at key checkpoints.

When a suspicious vehicle arrived at the naka point, officers intercepted it and conducted a thorough search. During inspection, authorities recovered 21 kg 500 grams of cannabis from the vehicle bearing registration number AS-15-J-8566.

Police detained all three occupants of the vehicle, who are reported to be residents of Bihar. During questioning, one of the accused attempted to pose as a journalist and the vehicle was reportedly fitted with a “PRESS” sticker in an effort to avoid police scrutiny.

However, preliminary investigation confirmed that none of the individuals were accredited journalists and that the press branding was allegedly used as a cover for drug smuggling activities.

A case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Police are now investigating the origin of the seized contraband and possible links to a wider trafficking network operating across state lines.