ITANAGAR (February 23, 2026) — Authorities in Arunachal Pradesh have arrested four individuals, including a serving police head constable, following the seizure of heroin in the Banderdewa region. The arrests, made on Sunday afternoon, are part of a broader crackdown on cross-border narcotics trafficking between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. According to official statements, the seized contraband is estimated to have a market value exceeding 50,000 rupees.
Interception at Niya Colony
The operation was launched by the Banderdewa police acting on credible intelligence regarding the transport of narcotics from Assam. A team led by Inspector Kipa Hamak intercepted a motorcycle at Niya Colony, leading to the arrest of two primary suspects, identified as Shivaji Morang and Sarat Kutum, both residents of the Lakhimpur district in Assam.
Upon searching the suspects, police recovered approximately 11 grams of suspected heroin concealed within a soap case. As noted in reports by India Today NE, both individuals were formally charged under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Involvement of Law Enforcement
The investigation deepened following the initial arrests, leading to the apprehension of two additional suspects. Amongst those taken into custody is a head constable of the Arunachal Pradesh Police. Officials stated that the involvement of a uniformed officer in the trafficking network is being treated with “utmost seriousness.”
The Naharlagun Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Rishi Longdo, confirmed that a case has been registered at the Banderdewa Police Station. This incident marks the second time this month that state police personnel have been implicated in drug-related offences, following a similar arrest of an India Reserve Battalion (IRBn) official earlier in February.
Sources
- India Today NE: “Arunachal police bust cross-border narcotic supply route, two arrested” (February 23, 2026)
- The Arunachal Times: “Four arrested in drug bust near Banderdewa” (February 23, 2026)
- Press Trust of India (PTI): “Police head constable among four held with heroin in Arunachal” (February 23, 2026)
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