By Tripura24 News Desk | Agartala Wednesday, February 11, 2026
AGARTALA: In a major success against the illegal drug trade, the Government Railway Police (GRP) and Railway Protection Force (RPF) seized a massive consignment of contraband cough syrup at Agartala Railway Station today. Acting on a tip-off, security forces recovered nearly 3,000 bottles of Escuf syrup from the Garib Rath Express shortly after it arrived at the platform.
The Arrest: From Classroom to Crime
The most shocking aspect of the seizure was the detention of the primary suspect, identified as Rakesh Hossain (45). Hossain, a resident of the state, is reportedly one of the 10,323 terminated teachers who lost their jobs following a court verdict years ago.
Investigation reveals that since his termination, Hossain had been working as a courier service employee. Preliminary questioning suggests that he was using his professional role in the courier sector as a “cover” to transport large quantities of banned substances into the state.
The Operation: GRP Strike
According to GRP sources, the operation was executed based on specific intelligence about a drug consignment arriving from outside the state via the rail route.
- The Seizure: Upon searching the luggage and designated courier cargo in the Garib Rath Express, the police found several suspicious boxes.
- The Contraband: A total of 3,000 bottles of Escuf (a codeine-based cough syrup) were found concealed inside the packages. The estimated market value of the seized drugs is said to be worth several lakhs of rupees.
“We had a specific lead regarding this shipment. During the search, we apprehended Rakesh Hossain, who was attempting to collect the consignment. It is unfortunate to see an educated individual involved in such a racket,” a senior GRP official told Tripura24.in.
A Growing Concern
The arrest of a former teacher has sent shockwaves through the local community. While the 10,323 terminated teachers have often made headlines for their protests and financial struggles, this incident has highlighted a darker side where some individuals are allegedly being lured into illegal activities like drug peddling to make quick money.
Legal Action & Further Investigation
Rakesh Hossain has been taken into custody under the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act. The police are now investigating the “source” of the drugs in the neighboring states and the “network” in Agartala that was supposed to receive and distribute this massive haul.
Authorities have warned that vigil at the railway station and integrated check posts will be doubled to prevent Tripura from becoming a transit point for such narcotics.
