SHILLONG : The Meghalaya Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), in a joint operation with West Garo Hills police, has arrested two alleged drug traffickers and seized 112.52 grams of suspected heroin worth approximately Rs 60 lakh in the illicit market.

According to a statement issued by SP ANTF Vikash Kumar, the joint team conducted a naka at Tikrikilla on Saturday following credible intelligence inputs about an inter-state drug trafficking operation.

During the operation, police intercepted two cars and conducted searches in accordance with procedures laid down under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

The search led to the recovery of 10 soap boxes containing 112.52 grams of suspected heroin, with an estimated illicit market value of Rs 60 lakh. Police also seized the two vehicles and three mobile phones.

The two persons arrested at the spot have been identified as Shahadot Ali and Rejaul Islam, both aged 31 and residents of the Mornoi area in Goalpara district of Assam.

A case has been registered at Tikrikilla Police Station under relevant sections of the NDPS Act.

Police said preliminary investigations indicated that the arrested duo may have links to a larger organised syndicate involved in inter-state drug trafficking. Efforts are underway to establish the network’s forward and backward linkages and identify other persons involved.

The ANTF has appealed to the public to share any information regarding the accused or drug trafficking activities in the state. It assured that the identity of informants would be kept confidential and that suitable rewards would be provided for credible information.