Araria police tighten net on smuggling syndicates

Araria: Araria, located in the sensitive Seemanchal belt along the India-Nepal border, is witnessing an aggressive crackdown on interstate and cross-border smuggling networks under operation “Prahar”, an initiative launched by police headquarters.Under the leadership of Araria SP Jitendra Kumar, the district police have intensified surveillance and anti-smuggling operations, making the region increasingly hostile for illegal operators once active along the border routes.According to official figures, during the first four months of 2026, police seized nearly 4,542kg of cannabis husk, 5,555 grams of smack, 11,573 litres of foreign liquor, 6,184 litres of Nepali liquor and 1,261 litres of illegal cough syrup in separate operations across the district. The estimated international market value of the seized narcotics exceeds Rs 10 crore.Confirming the recoveries, Jitendra said police had intensified action against smuggling networks linked to parts of West Bengal, including Malda and Murshidabad. He said several seized mobile phones helped investigators trace communication channels and operational networks.Police records show 2,929 people were arrested during the period. Police also seized 14 trucks, around 40 smaller vehicles, 155 motorcycles and nearly 210 mobile phones.Officials said the use of synthetic drugs and psychotropic substances was rising rapidly in the region. During the first four months of 2026, police seized 81,234 intoxicant tablets, surpassing the 64,685 tablets recovered during the whole of 2025.Recent raids at Town, Raniganj and Tarabari police stations led to major smack recoveries. Police said the operations dealt a significant blow to interstate narcotics syndicates.