Itanagar, June 21 (UNI) In a significant breakthrough against narcotics trafficking, Arunachal Pradesh’s Seppa Police have busted a major ganja (cannabis) smuggling network, with recovery of over 210 kgs of contraband with an estimated market value of Rs 60 lakh and arrest of three people in this connection, a senior officer said on Saturday.

East Kameng SP Kamdam Sikom said that the operation began on June 15, when the police apprehended one Passang Doka, a resident of Transport Colony, Seppa, for the illegal possession of 5.010 kg of ganja.

The recovery was made during a house search conducted in the presence of Executive Magistrate Tashi Thongdok and independent witnesses.

Subsequently, a case was registered under Seppa PS under Sections 20(b)(II)(B)/27 of the NDPS Act.

During interrogation, Doka revealed that he had procured the contraband from one Tsering Phuntso of Kalaktang area in neighbouring West Kameng district.

Acting swiftly on this information, a police team, led by DySP (HQ) Mibom Yirang, under the supervision of SP East Kameng, proceeded to Kalaktang on June 18.

With support from Kalaktang Police and in the presence of Executive Magistrate Pema Dorjee (EAC Kalaktang), the accused Phuntso was intercepted between Kalaktang and Rangthangzorpam village with a gunny bag of ganja.

A subsequent search at the residence of Yeshi Wangdi in Rangthangzorpam led to the recovery of nine more gunny bags of suspected ganja.

The total contraband seized weighed approximately 210 kg. Both Tsering Phuntso (23), and Yeshi Wangdi (29) were arrested and booked under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act.

Police confirmed that all legal formalities were followed during the seizure and arrests.

Further investigation is ongoing to uncover the full extent of the drug trafficking network and apprehend other individuals involved, the SP added.

UNI TD SS