Guwahati: The Special Task Force (STF) of Assam Police has apprehended 21 terrorists since March 2023, including 16 individuals linked to Islamic extremist groups, Special DGP Harmeet Singh revealed on Monday.
Between March 1, 2023, and December 31, 2024, the arrests included 16 members of Islamic extremist organisations, one individual each from the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and Maoist groups, and three members of Manipur-based extremist outfits, Singh stated during a press conference.
The STF’s operations also led to the recovery of an arsenal that included four rifles, a 7.65 mm pistol, 31 rounds of ammunition, one round of AK-series ammunition, 17 bullet pellets, a grenade with explosives, materials for assembling IEDs, and other weapons.
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In the fight against drugs and narcotics, the STF seized a significant haul, including 59.41 kg of heroin, 9,67,898 psychotropic tablets, 37,000 bottles of banned Phensedyl cough syrup, 3,999.68 kg of ganja, 37.26 kg of opium, and 1 kg of methamphetamine during the same period.
Anti-smuggling operations yielded 1.10 kg of pure gold and 20.37 kg of counterfeit yellow metal.
The task force also confiscated wildlife contraband, including two rhino horns, 14 pieces of ivory, two tiger teeth, 15 rhino hooves, 1.792 kg of pangolin scales, and one antler.
Additionally, the STF seized 134 vehicles and 361 mobile phones during its operations.
A total of 254 operations were conducted, resulting in 137 arrests and the registration of 111 cases.
These sustained efforts underscore the STF’s commitment to combating terrorism, smuggling, and organised crime in Assam.
