PASIGHAT, 26 Aug: East Siang police apprehended four alleged drug peddlers and recovered 8.26 gm of suspected heroin from the 2-Mile area on 19 August.

Acting on credible information regarding the illegal trafficking of narcotic substances, an operation under "Operation Dawn 2.0" was conducted within the jurisdiction of Pasighat police station.

The operation led to the apprehension of Otem Padung from Forest Colony in Pasighat.

Interrogation of Padung led the police to Okong Megu, who was apprehended from Gumin Nagar. Megu allegedly disclosed that he received heroin from Ogul Tagi and supplied it to substance abusers.

Subsequently, Tagi was apprehended from Gumin Nagar, while his alleged associate, Peeman Manham Taloh, was apprehended from 2-Mile, Pasighat.

During the search operation, conducted in the presence of an Executive Magistrate, police recovered and seized three tobacco containers and two vials containing 8.26 gm of suspected heroin, one brass-metal hookah, one plastic hookah and two syringes.

Accordingly, PSGT/PS/C/No. 88/26 under Sections 21(b), 29 and 27A of the NDPS Act has been registered, and investigation is underway.

All four accused were initially remanded to police custody and, on expiry of their police remand, were further remanded to judicial custody by the Sessions Court, Pasighat.

The operation team consisted of DySP (HQ) Toni Tatak and Pasighat SDPO Dujom Bagra, along with SI K. Tangha, L/HC B. Basar, L/Constable O. Dameng and constables R. Songthing, K. Perme, K. Mili, P. Chejong, K. Potom, A. Miyu and C. Ejing.

Superintendent of police Pankaj Lamba commended the ADS and the police team for their efforts. He urged the public to remain vigilant and report illicit drug-related activities. (DIPRO)