NAMSAI : Namsai Police arrested four persons, including an alleged habitual drug peddler, during an anti-drug operation near the Circuit House here on Monday evening and seized suspected heroin, cash believed to be proceeds of drug trafficking and other incriminating articles.

Acting on specific information, a police team led by Namsai Sub-Divisional Police Officer Kengo Dirchi, assisted by Inspector T Gadi, Sub-Inspector Sanjay Kumar and other personnel, conducted the operation with support from the All Namsai Area Youth Association (ANAYA).

The arrested persons have been identified as Chow Nakalan Mein (40) of Jenglai under Piyong Circle, Gopal Chetry (40) of Piyong Circle, Suresh Gour (37) of Piyong Adivasi Village and Janu Urang (28) of Piyong Adivasi Village.

Police stated that Chow Nakalan Mein is a habitual drug peddler who had previously been arrested in three cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

After completing the mandatory legal formalities under the NDPS Act, 1985, the police recovered 60 grams (gross) and 9 grams (net) of suspected heroin, ₹61,440 suspected to be proceeds of drug trafficking, 20 disposable syringes, two lighters and other incriminating materials. All the seized articles were taken into custody in the presence of independent witnesses.

A case has been registered under Sections 21(b), 27A and 29 of the NDPS Act, and all four accused have been arrested.

Police said further investigation is underway to trace the source of the contraband, follow the financial trail and identify other persons linked to the alleged drug trafficking network.

The operation was conducted under the overall supervision of Namsai Superintendent of Police Sangey Thinley.

Reaffirming its commitment to combating drug trafficking, Namsai Police appealed to the public to share credible information about narcotics-related activities, assuring complete confidentiality of informants.