Siliguri, 30th May: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has achieved a major breakthrough in the ₹4 crore cannabis seizure case involving the recovery of around 800 kg of cannabis in Siliguri. Following the arrest and interrogation of truck driver Kuldeep Singh, NCB officials arrested his brother-in-law Kamlesh Kumar alias Bablu from Uttar Pradesh in connection with the case.
Investigation revealed that the duo was allegedly operating an organised cannabis smuggling network with links extending to Assam, Manipur and Uttar Pradesh.
It may be recalled that on the night of 22nd May, NCB, with assistance from Medical Outpost Police, conducted a special operation in the Kadamtala area. Acting on a tip-off, officials searched a Haryana-registered goods truck and recovered around 800 kg of cannabis hidden inside a secret chamber built in the driver’s cabin. The contraband was packed in nearly 80 packets.
The seized cannabis was estimated to be worth around ₹4 crore in the illegal market. Following the seizure, truck driver Kuldeep Singh was arrested under the NDPS Act and produced before the Siliguri court on 23rd May.
After obtaining seven days’ remand, NCB carried out detailed interrogation of the accused, during which the name of his brother-in-law Kamlesh Kumar alias Bablu surfaced.
Subsequently, a special NCB team travelled to Uttar Pradesh and arrested Kamlesh Kumar on 26th May. He was later brought to Siliguri on transit remand, where both accused were questioned together.
According to NCB officials, the investigation revealed that large quantities of cannabis were allegedly trafficked from northeastern states, especially Assam and Manipur, and transported to Varanasi. The accused reportedly used goods vehicles as cover for the illegal trade.
After completion of the remand period, both accused were produced before the Siliguri court, which remanded them to 14 days’ judicial custody. NCB officials said efforts are now underway to trace the mastermind behind the smuggling network.
