Three Held with 80 Gram Heroin in Dholai, One Claims to be a Journalist

Cachar Police apprehended three individuals with suspected heroin during a naka check on NH-306 in Dholai early on Thursday (March 20). The operation, based on a tip-off, led to the interception of a Mahindra Scorpio with registration number AS-01BT-0701 near the Dholai police station.

During the search, officers recovered five plastic soap cases containing approximately 80 grams of suspected heroin, concealed beneath the vehicle’s back seat mat. The narcotics, valued at around ₹50 lakh in the black market, tested positive in a drug detection kit. Police also seized four mobile phones from the accused.

The arrested individuals have been identified as— Ramesh Chandra Biswas (34) from Goraimari Pathar, Barpeta; Sahidul Islam (26) from Jogir Pam, Barpeta and Ibadur Rahman (28) from Saptagram, Dholai.

What has sparked controversy is the recovery of two identity cards from Ramesh Chandra Biswas. One ID identifies him as a “Citizen Journalist” for a little-known media outlet called Soorya Vansham News, while the other is a membership card of the “Stop Crime Organisation”, ironically an NGO claiming to work against crime, corruption, and terrorism for over 12 years, with its headquarters in Delhi.

Authorities are now investigating whether Biswas used his journalist identity as a cover for drug trafficking. They are also verifying the legitimacy of Soorya Vansham News, as no prominent records of the organisation exist in the state.

This is the third major drug haul in the Barak Valley within a week. On 13 March, the Narcotics Control Bureau seized 7.5 kg of Yaba tablets at the Lailapur police petrol post. Following this, Assam Rifles recovered Yaba tablets worth approximately ₹3 crore from Silchar.

Despite the police crackdown, drug trafficking networks remain active, adapting with new and same old tactics.

Cachar Police have launched a detailed investigation into the case, and further legal proceedings are underway.