In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, Tripura Police of Dharmanagar police station yesterday night arrested two individuals and seized a large consignment of Yaba tablets during a targeted operation near the town's police station.

Acting on a confidential tip-off, police intercepted a high-speed e-auto (registration no. TR-05-2482) in front of the Dharmanagar police station around 8 PM. 

A thorough search led to the recovery of 1,800 Yaba tablets, estimated to be worth Rs 9 lakh in the illegal drug market.

The arrested duo has been identified as Ashish Chakma (24) and Bishal Chakma (28), both residents of Pecharthal. 

Police sources revealed that one of the accused is speech-impaired.

According to investigators, the suspects were en route from the Chandrapur area of Dharmanagar to Pecharthal when they were intercepted. Based on prior intelligence inputs, police had laid a trap to apprehend the smugglers.

The operation was led by Officer-in-Charge Smriti Kanta Bardhan and OC Suleman Reang of Dharmanagar Police Station, with assistance from SDPO B. Juring Puiya and DCM T. Mog, who were also present during the arrest.

A case has been filed under the relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.