In a significant step toward combating drug abuse and illegal narcotics trade, Special Task Force (STF) of Assam Police destroyed 37,000 bottles of contraband Phensedyl cough syrup on Tuesday. disposal was carried out at M/s Fresh Air Waste Management Services Pvt. Ltd., Panikhaiti, located on outskirts of Guwahati, under supervision of Drug Disposal Committee.
Details of Disposal
operation, organized by Drug Disposal Committee, was chaired by Sudhakar Singh, SP (Zone-I), CID, Assam. It included representatives from District Magistrate’s office, Joint Director of Health, and Narcotics Control Bureau.
Key Highlights:
- Quantity Destroyed:
- 37,000 bottles, each containing 100 ml of Phensedyl, totaling 3,700 litres.
- Market Value:
- total value of disposed contraband is estimated at ₹70 lakh.
disposal process was executed following strict environmental protocols to ensure safe destruction, adhering to court orders and NDPS Act guidelines.
STF’s Anti-Narcotics Campaign
STF, under leadership of IGP Partha Sarathi Mahanta, has been intensifying its crackdown on narcotics dealers across Assam.
Achievements Since March 2023:
- NDPS Arrests:
- A total of 325 drug dealers have been apprehended during this period.
- Seizures:
- Confiscation of narcotics, including heroin, opium, cannabis, cough syrups, tablets, and capsules, valued at ₹800 crore in market.
- Operations Conducted:
- 164 operations targeting NDPS networks across Assam.
Phensedyl Cough Syrup and its Illicit Use
Phensedyl, a cough syrup containing codeine phosphate, is often abused for its narcotic effects. Widely smuggled across India-Bangladesh borders, it poses a serious public health risk and fuels cross-border drug networks.
Efforts like these disposal drives not only eliminate seized contraband but also act as a deterrent against illegal trade and abuse.
STF’s Drug Disposal Initiatives
This marks second drug disposal program undertaken by STF during this period.
Previous Disposal Initiatives:
- First Disposal Drive:
- Conducted on March 16, 2024, NDPS items from 10 registered cases were destroyed.
- Upcoming Disposal:
- STF has already secured court permissions for next disposal program, which will include:
- 3.06 kg of heroin
- 37.26 kg of opium
- 3,873 kg of cannabis
- 80,400 contraband capsules and tablets
- STF has already secured court permissions for next disposal program, which will include:
These operations are a part of STF’s ongoing strategy to strengthen enforcement against drug trafficking in Assam.
Significance of Drive
destruction of banned substances serves multiple purposes:
- Public Safety:
- Prevents possibility of confiscated drugs re-entering market.
- Environmental Compliance:
- Ensures disposal is conducted safely and in adherence to environmental regulations.
- Deterrence:
- Sends a strong message to narcotics dealers about zero-tolerance policy of Assam Police toward illegal activities.
Road Ahead
Assam Police and STF remain committed to their mission of eradicating narcotics trade in state. government and enforcement agencies are expected to continue such proactive measures, ensuring safety and well-being of population while curbing illegal activities that threaten public health.
Disclaimer
This article is based on official statements and publicly available information. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers are advised to consult verified sources for further details. views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect stance of Pratidin Time.
