Guwahati, December 4, 2024 — In a late-night operation on Tuesday, Special Task Force (STF) of Assam Police apprehended a suspected drug peddler in Guwahati’s Ulubari locality. Over 16 grams of heroin were seized during raid, which has sparked renewed attention on fight against drug menace in region.
operation was executed after STF received a tip-off about illicit activities in area. Acting swiftly, police conducted a raid near bustling Ulubari locality, which falls under jurisdiction of Paltan Bazar police station. accused, identified as Rohit Basfor, a 25-year-old resident of Ambari railway colony, Kalibari, was taken into custody at scene.
Details of Seizure
During raid, law enforcement officials recovered 16.11 grams of suspected heroin, neatly packed in a soap box. Apart from narcotics, STF also seized a mobile phone and an auto-rickshaw with registration number AS 01 SC 0215, which is believed to have been used in illicit operation. items are now under forensic examination to gather further evidence.
“seized heroin is suspected to be of high purity and intended for distribution within Guwahati. Our team is working to trace origin of supply and dismantle network behind it,” said an STF official involved in operation.
Accused’s Background
accused, Rohit Basfor, is a resident of Ambari railway colony, a neighborhood known for its socio-economic challenges. Preliminary investigations reveal that Rohit may have been involved in drug trade for some time, using his auto-rickshaw to transport contraband substances across city.
According to police sources, Rohit operated discreetly and primarily within high-demand areas. His activities had reportedly drawn attention from local informants, leading to his eventual apprehension.
A Broader Drug Network?
STF has not ruled out possibility that Rohit is part of a larger drug syndicate operating within Assam. “We believe this arrest could lead us to a bigger network involved in drug trafficking across Northeast region. auto-rickshaw and mobile phone will provide critical leads,” an STF officer stated.
authorities are also investigating potential connections between Rohit and another suspected drug supplier, Majid Ali, who was arrested earlier on same day in Guwahati’s Athgaon area. Majid, a native of Khurupetia, was found in possession of 13.88 grams of heroin and a mobile phone. Officials suspect that both individuals could be part of same supply chain.
Fight Against Drug Trafficking in Assam
Assam has seen a steady rise in drug-related crimes over past few years, with Guwahati emerging as a key transit and distribution hub. state’s proximity to major drug-producing regions in Southeast Asia, including infamous “Golden Triangle,” has made it vulnerable to trafficking activities.
Assam government, under its anti-narcotics campaign, has intensified efforts to curb menace. Special Task Force, along with local police, has been actively conducting raids and busting supply chains in urban and rural areas alike. Over past year, several major drug seizures have been reported, highlighting both scale of problem and authorities’ determination to tackle it.
“Drugs are a menace to society, especially to our youth. We are committed to eradicating this evil. Each seizure and arrest brings us one step closer to a drug-free Assam,” said a senior police official during a press briefing.
Community Concerns
increasing drug-related activities in Guwahati have raised concerns among residents. Communities are calling for more stringent measures, including better surveillance in vulnerable areas and harsher penalties for those involved in drug trade.
Social activist Ranjita Gogoi commented, “These arrests are just tip of iceberg. We need systemic changes to prevent drugs from infiltrating our communities. Education and awareness are equally important in this fight.”
Educational institutions in city are also stepping up efforts to educate young people about dangers of drug abuse. Awareness campaigns and workshops are being organized to reach vulnerable sections of society.
Challenges in Combating Drug Trafficking
Despite STF’s successful operations, challenges remain in fight against drug trafficking. porous borders with neighboring countries and states, coupled with a lack of advanced technology for tracking smugglers, have made it difficult for authorities to completely dismantle drug networks.
rising demand for narcotics within urban centers like Guwahati has further complicated matters. Drug peddlers often operate under guise of legitimate businesses, making it harder to identify and apprehend them.
What’s Next?
STF has launched a detailed investigation to determine source of heroin seized in Ulubari. Officials are exploring potential links between Rohit Basfor and known drug syndicates operating in Assam and beyond. interrogation of accused is expected to yield critical information that could lead to further arrests.
Additionally, STF is planning more raids in and around Guwahati to target other suspected peddlers and distributors. recent arrests are part of a larger strategy to disrupt drug supply chain at multiple levels.
Public Cooperation Needed
Authorities have appealed to public for cooperation in identifying and reporting suspicious activities. Community vigilance has played a significant role in past operations, and officials are urging citizens to remain proactive.
“public is our greatest ally in this fight. If you see something suspicious, report it immediately. Together, we can make Guwahati a safer city,” urged an STF spokesperson.
Conclusion
arrest of suspected drug peddler Rohit Basfor and seizure of 16 grams of heroin in Guwahati’s Ulubari underscore ongoing battle against drug trade in Assam. While STF’s swift action is commendable, case also highlights pervasive nature of issue and urgent need for continued efforts to curb drug-related activities.
As investigation unfolds, residents hope that this arrest will lead to significant breakthroughs in dismantling networks responsible for bringing drugs into their city. authorities’ commitment, combined with public cooperation, could pave way for a more secure and drug-free future for Guwahati.
Disclaimer
This news article is based on information provided by law enforcement authorities and public sources as of date of publication. details of case are subject to ongoing investigation, and conclusions drawn in this report are tentative. Readers are advised to follow official updates from Special Task Force and Assam Police for most accurate and current information. This publication does not assume liability for any legal interpretations or actions taken based on this content.