**Agartala, September 16:** Nearly five lakh Yaba tablets were seized from a 12-wheel truck in Panisagar of North Tripura, leading to the arrest of an 18-year-old driver, officials said on Wednesday.
The consignment, weighing about 50 kg, was estimated to have an illegal market value of nearly Rs 40 crore.
The seizure was made during a joint operation involving Panisagar Police, Assam Rifles and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Agartala. The agencies acted on intelligence regarding the movement of a large quantity of narcotics through the state.
Based on the information, the truck was intercepted at the Agnipasha naka point on the National Highway. Officials said the vehicle was coming from Assam and heading towards Agartala after entering Tripura through Churaibari.
A search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of approximately 250 packets containing Yaba tablets, which were allegedly concealed inside the truck.
Police identified the arrested driver as Rupam Deka, a resident of Noagaon in Guwahati, Assam.
Following the seizure, authorities launched an investigation into the source of the narcotics and their intended destination. Investigators are also examining how the consignment was arranged and transported into the state.
The possibility of a larger inter-state trafficking network is being examined, officials said. Deka is being questioned to gather information about the alleged suppliers, transporters and intended recipients.
Investigators are also tracking the truck’s movements from Churaibari to the interception point at Agnipasha. The possible involvement of other vehicles or persons in the transportation of the consignment is being verified.
The seizure has prompted authorities to intensify scrutiny of narcotics movement along interstate highways and major entry points in Tripura. Surveillance and checking arrangements along vulnerable routes are also under review.
Officials said the investigation is continuing to identify the wider network allegedly involved in the consignment. Further arrests and enforcement action will depend on the findings of the probe.
