Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 24 August 2024
In a significant operation, a team from the Crime and Economic Offence (CID) unit of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Police arrested four individuals and seized a total of 845 grams of heroin, with an estimated international market value of ₹4 crores. This marks the first-ever seizure of such a large commercial quantity of heroin in the region.
The operation was initiated based on an intelligence input received by the authorities. A team led by Inspector Girish Kumar, SHO of PS Crime & Economic Offence (CID), and comprising other officers, conducted a raid at a rented house in Dollygunj. The raid, carried out under the supervision and presence of Kumar Abhishek, DANIPS, Deputy Superintendent of Police (CID), and an Executive Magistrate, resulted in the arrest of Susankar Das, also known as Chotu, a 23-year-old private driver originally from Diglipur. A total of 435 grams of heroin was recovered from his possession.
Following Das’s arrest, a case was registered under the relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, at the PS Crime & Economic Offence. During interrogation, Das revealed the involvement of two other individuals: Kiron Chandra Haldar, a 72-year-old resident of Shantipur 10, Swadesh Nagar, and the main supplier, Kishor Halder, a 30-year-old resident of Curtbet Bay, Billiground.
A follow-up raid led by Sub-Inspector Shaji Mathew at Billiground and Curtbet Bay resulted in the recovery of an additional 410 grams of heroin from the possession of Kiron Chandra Haldar. Haldar disclosed during interrogation that the entire supply of heroin was provided by his son, Kishor Halder. Both were subsequently arrested following legal procedures and brought to the PS Crime & Economic Offence for further questioning.
The investigation also revealed the involvement of a fourth individual, Subendu Das, a 19-year-old from Santipur No.10, Billiground. Das was identified as a carrier responsible for transporting and supplying the heroin. He was arrested following due legal procedure.
The total seizure of 845 grams of heroin represents a significant blow to the drug trade in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, effectively disrupting a supply chain that spanned from supplier to carrier and distributor.
The raids were conducted under the command of Kumar Abhishek, Deputy Superintendent of Police (CID), with overall supervision by Rajeev Ranjan, IPS, Superintendent of Police (CID).
Authorities have urged the public to report any information related to the sale or possession of contraband or any other illegal activities. Tips can be reported to the police via the following telephone numbers: 100, 232586, 233307, 9933242204, and 9434280100. The identity of informants will be kept confidential.