Shillong, Nov 13: BSF troops deployed at Jatrakona, South Garo Hills district, apprehended one Indian drug smuggler and the driver of a three-wheeler vehicle and seized 994 Yaba tablets worth more than Rs. 3.5 lakh.

The special ambush party first observed a suspicious three-wheeler vehicle (ML08-F-7148) which was coming from Baghmara side, and proceeded towards Dalu.

The ambush party stopped the vehicle and apprehended two persons – Ratan Saha (30) and Sarat Mahanta (29) both resident of Chaipani (Babupara), under Dalu police station, West Garo Hills district.

When searched, the party recovered 994 Yaba tablets, one mobile phone, and Indian currency Rs. 14,520 from their possession.

On questioning Ratan Saha revealed that the seized tablets were to be handed over to one persons by the name Litan (35) of Palpara (Kilapara) South Garo Hills district.

He also revealed that he had collected this consignment from one Muktar Ali at Baghmara.

“Yaba Tablet is a mostly consumed drug by youth of Bangladesh. These red-coloured pills are bought in bulk at Rs. 350 per pill in the border areas. After transferring through several hands, it is sold to end-users in Bangladesh at Taka 800 to 900 per pill. The demand for this type of tablet has spiked in part due to the addiction of users in Bangladesh,” a statement issued by BSF said.

The Apprehended persons and seized items were handed over to the concern department for further legal action.