In a statement, Adhikari said the operation dealt a major blow to the smuggling racket and reaffirmed the commitment to protecting the state’s youth and ensuring that West Bengal is not used as a hub for criminal activities.
He commended the Dakshin Dinajpur District Police and Malda District Police for carrying out a joint operation that followed the arrest of alleged smuggler Mridul Ghosh last month. Based on subsequent investigations, police arrested his alleged associate Pintu Sarkar along with two other accused.
According to Adhikari, a coordinated raid at a premises in Mangalbari under the Malda Police Station led to the recovery of:
- ₹2.4 crore in cash
- Thousands of bottles of cough syrup, with an estimated black-market value of ₹90 lakh
- Approximately 20 grams of gold
He said investigators are conducting detailed interrogations to uncover the entire network and identify everyone allegedly involved in the racket.
Adhikari warned that law enforcement agencies would continue intensive operations in border areas and said strict legal action would be taken against those involved in drug trafficking and activities that threaten public safety.