Counterfeit Currency – Guwahati Police Seize Fake Notes Worth Rs 13.5 Lakh
Counterfeit Currency – Guwahati Police have recovered counterfeit Indian currency with a stated face value of Rs 13.5 lakh during two separate operations carried out by Dispur Police Station. Five people were arrested in connection with the cases, while investigators are working to trace the origin of the fake notes and identify others linked to the alleged network.
Operations conducted after intelligence inputs
Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Tabu Ram Pegu said the action was taken on June 30 and July 1 after police received specific information about suspected attempts to use fake currency in the city. Two cases have been registered, and the preliminary investigation indicates that the accused allegedly intended to deceive members of the public.
According to police, the two operations were conducted independently but involved a similar suspected plan. Officers recovered counterfeit notes along with other materials considered relevant to the investigation.
Accused allegedly used gold purchase as a cover
In the first case, the arrested individuals were reportedly from Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh. Police said they had travelled to Guwahati claiming that they intended to purchase gold. Investigators suspect that the stated purpose of the visit was being used as a cover for an attempt to circulate counterfeit notes.
The second case involved people who had come from Darrang district in Assam. Their alleged objective was also linked to a proposed gold transaction, police said. Authorities are examining whether the two incidents were connected or whether they were part of separate arrangements involving the circulation of fake currency.
Police examine source and wider links
DCP Pegu said the seized notes were of poor quality and were not expected to easily enter regular market circulation. However, police are continuing their inquiry to establish where the currency was printed or obtained and whether more people were involved in moving it between locations.
Investigators are also checking communication records, travel details and possible financial links of those arrested. Police said the focus remains on identifying the supply chain behind the counterfeit notes and taking action against all individuals connected to the racket.
Officials expressed confidence that the investigation would help uncover the wider network. Further details are expected as police examine the evidence recovered during the operations.
Codeine bottles recovered at Agartala Railway Station
In a separate anti-contraband action, Assam Rifles and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Agartala, recovered 55,626 bottles of Codeine from Agartala Railway Station. The seizure was made after intelligence inputs indicated the presence of a suspected illegal consignment.
Officials estimated the value of the recovered bottles at around Rs 1.27 crore. The seized material has been handed over to the DRI, which will conduct further investigation and initiate legal proceedings under applicable laws.
Poppy seeds consignment seized in Cachar district
Another joint operation by Assam Rifles and the DRI led to the seizure of 8,764 kg of poppy seeds in Assam’s Cachar district. Authorities estimated the value of the consignment at approximately Rs 1.31 crore.
Two residents of Silchar were apprehended in the case. Security personnel also seized a truck believed to have been used for transportation and two mobile phones. The recovered poppy seeds and other seized items have been transferred to the DRI for investigation.
The recent operations underline continuing enforcement efforts against counterfeit currency and suspected contraband movement in the Northeast. Agencies are expected to examine possible inter-state links in the cases and determine whether the seized consignments were part of larger distribution networks.