Guwahati: In a major breakthrough against cross-border narcotics smuggling, South Salmara Mankachar Police on Monday seized 50,000 YABA tablets worth an estimated ₹10 crore during a pre-dawn naka checking operation at Sonapur, a location close to the Bangladesh border.
The accused, Ashique Babu, 26, a resident of Kuchnimara, was arrested after police intercepted a night super bus (registration AS-01 TC-0375) travelling from ISBT Guwahati to Mankachar. A search of his belongings led to the discovery of five black plastic wraps containing 5.9 kilograms of methamphetamine-based tablets—commonly referred to as YABA.
Officials suspect the consignment originated from Manipur, a known transit route for synthetic drugs, and was intended for distribution across the Mankachar belt, adjoining parts of Meghalaya, and potentially for smuggling into neighbouring Bangladesh.
The crackdown was led by Inspector Dipak Bargayari and his team, working under the guidance of the Additional Superintendent of Police. The timely operation was carried out based on specific intelligence inputs and marks a significant success in the district’s ongoing battle against narcotics trafficking.
An FIR has been registered at Mankachar Police Station under GDE No. 26 dated July 14, 2025. Police have launched an investigation into the wider syndicate behind the trafficking, focusing on tracing both upstream suppliers and downstream distributors.
The high-stakes seizure underscores the district police’s unwavering commitment to tackling drug networks in one of Assam’s most vulnerable border regions.
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