About 100 kg cannabis seized in Howrah worth 15 lakhs

On the evening of December 10, acting on a tip-off, the Narcotics Cell conducted a raid at Dhulagarh Toll Plaza under Sankrail Police Station, Howrah Police Commissionerate (HPC). Two vehicles—a Skoda Slavia sedan (WB12BT8528) and a Tata Tiago (WB12BC3478)—were intercepted during the operation.

Upon searching the vehicles, authorities discovered four multi-colored plastic sacks containing greenish cannabis flower tops, weighing a total of 97.650 kg. The estimated value of the seized narcotic contraband in the grey market is approximately ₹15 lakh.

One individual, identified as Vinod Kumar Chauhan (46), a resident of GT Road, Serampore, Hooghly, was apprehended at the scene. However, the driver of the Tata Tiago managed to escape before being detained. Preliminary investigations suggest that the consignment was sourced from Bhadrak, Odisha, and was intended for delivery in Howrah and Hooghly districts.

The search, seizure, and labeling procedures were conducted under videographic supervision, led by ACP South I, HPC. A suo motu complaint filed by Sub-Inspector Atanu Majumder has resulted in the registration of Sankrail PS case no. 953/24, dated December 11, 2024. The case includes charges under sections 20(b)(ii)C, 25, and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

The investigation is now being handled by the Narcotics Cell, Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which is working to identify the fugitive accomplice and uncover further links to the narcotics network.