Itanagar, Jan 20: Police in West Kameng district under its Operation Dawn 2.0 initiative have seized cannabis weighing 1654.22 kgs valued at Rs 1.33 crore (approx.) from Betchilling village.
A police team led by Kalaktang police station officer in-charge inspector Padi Payang seized the drugs during a well-coordinated raid in and around Betchilling village under the supervision of SDPO Kalaktang Pawan Yadav, West Kameng Superintendent of Police Sudhansu Dhama said on Monday.
He said 108 rectangular packages (10 kilograms each) totalling 1080 kilograms, 33 gunny bags totalling 574.22 kilograms, a 50-ton hydraulic piston jack used for compressing cannabis, modified iron trunk and iron frame and a modified weighing machine were seized.
These materials were used to compress, package, and conceal the cannabis for easier transportation, the official said.
He said an NDPS case under relevant sections has been registered at Kalaktang police station and further investigations are underway to establish forward and backward linkages, with intensified efforts to identify and apprehend the accused.
Police are also seeking support from villagers to expedite the investigation, the official said.
Under the Operation Dawn initiative, more than 5030 kilograms of cannabis and other contraband worth Rs 4.5 crore have been seized and over 100 accused arrested in West Kameng district.
The SP, while underscoring the unwavering commitment to combating drug trafficking and safeguarding the community, said the record seizure is a testament to the dedication and efficiency of the police in their fight against the menace of drugs.