Karimganj, Oct 5 — A major drug bust at the **Churaibari checkpost on the Assam–Tripura border** has triggered widespread controversy after police seized a **large consignment of narcotic cough syrup** from a Kolkata-to-Agartala-bound truck.
According to police sources, the **12-wheeler truck (WB-23-D-7176)** was intercepted late Friday night at Churaibari Watch Post in Assam’s **Shribhumi district**. Initially, the driver claimed the vehicle was carrying **bitumen drums**, but a detailed search revealed **hidden cartons of ESKUF-brand cough syrup**, a controlled narcotic substance.
Police recovered **21,600 bottles** of the syrup from **144 cartons**, each containing 150 bottles. The estimated black-market value of the seized drugs is over **₹1.08 crore**. The driver, identified as **Syed Afridi**, a resident of West Bengal, was arrested on the spot. During interrogation, he reportedly said he was paid **₹12,000** to transport the consignment from **Malda, West Bengal**, to Tripura and denied any knowledge of the actual owner of the shipment.
However, the incident has taken a dramatic turn amid allegations that **a large portion of the seized consignment went missing** between the truck’s detention on Friday night and its formal seizure on Sunday morning. Sources allege that **mysterious delays** in showing the official seizure may have allowed the removal of a significant part of the consignment.
Eyewitnesses also reported two **AS-numbered WagonR cars** moving suspiciously around the area during that period, raising further doubts about possible internal collusion.
The episode has reportedly sparked **internal tension within Assam Police**, with questions being raised over procedural lapses and alleged misconduct.
Meanwhile, a case has been registered under the **Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act**, and a full-fledged investigation is underway. Local residents have demanded a **transparent probe** to expose all those involved in the suspected drug racket.
