By Firstdespatch Desk Jul 02, 2026
Agartala, July 2 (FD) In a major crackdown on narcotics trafficking, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Agartala Regional Unit, seized 55,626 bottles of Codeine-based cough syrup valued at over Rs 6.54 crore from a parcel van attached to the Karimganj–Agartala DEMU train. One person has been arrested in connection with the case.
Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officials intercepted the parcel consignment after the train arrived at Agartala Railway Station on Thursday. During the search, officers found 80 blue metallic drums inside the parcel coach. On opening them, they recovered thousands of bottles of ESkuf and FAIRDYL Codeine-based cough syrup concealed beneath powdery substances to evade detection.
The entire consignment, along with the concealment materials, was seized under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
According to DRI officials, a representative of the consignee arrived at the railway station to receive the shipment. During questioning, he allegedly admitted his involvement in transporting and possessing the contraband and was subsequently arrested.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the consignment originated from Katihar in Bihar, transited through Karimganj in Assam, and reached Agartala. Investigators suspect the cough syrup was intended for cross-border smuggling into Bangladesh, where such Codeine-based syrups are illegally traded as intoxicants.
Officials said the seizure highlights the continued use of Tripura as a transit route by organised drug trafficking networks operating through railway and border corridors.
The DRI has launched a detailed investigation to trace the entire supply chain, including the source, financiers, transporters and intended recipients of the consignment. More arrests are likely as the probe progresses. FD JK