The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 55,626 bottles of codeine-based E-SKuf and Fairdyl cough syrup worth about ₹6.54 crore during a major anti-narcotics operation at Agartala Railway Station in Tripura. Acting on specific intelligence, officials intercepted a railway parcel that arrived from Katihar. Additionally, the DRI arrested one person who allegedly came to receive the consignment. Meanwhile, investigators have launched a probe to identify the entire trafficking network behind the illegal shipment.
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Key Facts
- Location: Agartala Railway Station, Tripura
- Agency: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)
- Contraband: 55,626 bottles of codeine-based E-SKuf and Fairdyl cough syrup
- Estimated Value: ₹6.54 crore
- Origin: Katihar
- Arrested: Subrata Deb, 34, manager of B.K. Enterprise
- Operation: July 1–2, 2026
- Investigation: Ongoing
DRI Conducts Major Anti-Narcotics Operation
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence carried out a major operation against illegal drug trafficking at Agartala Railway Station.
Acting on specific intelligence, officers intercepted a railway parcel van carrying a large quantity of codeine-based cough syrup. As a result, authorities recovered 55,626 bottles with an estimated illicit market value of ₹6,54,43,989.
Officials described the seizure as one of the biggest anti-narcotics operations in the region this year.
Officials Discover Contraband Hidden in Iron Drums
According to investigators, the parcel van travelled from Katihar to Agartala as general cargo under a parcel waybill dated June 25, 2026.
After the train reached Agartala Railway Station on June 30, railway staff shifted the parcel van to Line No. 13 for unloading.
Subsequently, a joint inspection team examined 89 iron drums loaded inside the van.
Officials found 80 drums filled with white powder that concealed 55,626 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup. Meanwhile, the remaining nine drums contained only the white powder.
The inspection and counting process continued throughout the night. Finally, officials completed the seizure at around 7 a.m. on July 2.
Multiple Agencies Joined the Operation
The DRI led the operation with support from several security agencies.
Besides the DRI, the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF), Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau (SIB), Assam Rifles, and railway authorities participated in the search.
Together, the agencies coordinated the operation and ensured the successful recovery of the concealed narcotics.
DRI Arrests One Suspect
During the operation, DRI officers arrested Subrata Deb, 34, who allegedly arrived at the railway station to receive the consignment.
He works as the manager of B.K. Enterprise and lives in Bathakha village under Kalyanpur Police Station in Tripura’s Khowai district.
Furthermore, parcel records show that a consignor identified as Chandan Verman of Agartala booked the shipment from Katihar.
Investigators are now examining the roles of everyone connected to the consignment.
Investigation Continues
The DRI’s Agartala Regional Unit has registered a case and expanded its investigation.
Now, investigators are tracing the supply chain, identifying additional suspects, and determining the intended destination of the seized cough syrup.
Therefore, officials expect the investigation to reveal more details about the trafficking network in the coming days.
Question & Answer
Q: What did the DRI seize at Agartala Railway Station?
A: Officials seized 55,626 bottles of codeine-based E-SKuf and Fairdyl cough syrup.
Q: What is the estimated value of the seizure?
A: The seized consignment is worth approximately ₹6.54 crore in the illicit market.
Q: Where did the parcel originate?
A: The parcel was booked from Katihar for transport to Agartala.
Q: Who was arrested in the case?
A: DRI officers arrested Subrata Deb, the manager of B.K. Enterprise, who allegedly came to receive the consignment.
Q: Which agencies participated in the operation?
A: The DRI conducted the operation with support from the RPF, RPSF, SIB, Assam Rifles, and railway authorities.
Location Context
Tripura shares an international border with Bangladesh and serves as an important gateway for trade and transportation in Northeast India. Therefore, security agencies regularly monitor railway routes and border corridors to curb drug trafficking and other forms of cross-border crime.
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