Aizawl: Four police constables were among nine people arrested for their alleged involvement in a series of frauds in Mizoram in which fake drugs were used to dupe buyers, police said on Tuesday.
The arrests were made by personnel of the Special Narcotics Police Station in Aizawl following a tip-off.
Five women were also taken into custody in connection with the case.
Superintendent of Police Zosangliana said the women would identify potential buyers for drugs or other contraband items that were later found to be fake.
After fixing the deal, a time and venue were finalised for the transaction.
“When the buyers arrived at the designated location, the constables, posing as CID officers, would arrest them.
The victims were usually released after handing over the money, which was then shared among the accused,” he said.
According to police, the gang had carried out such frauds on more than six occasions.
Three of the constables were arrested on December 15 at the New Capital Complex while waiting to receive a consignment of methamphetamine tablets, based on intelligence inputs.
During the operation, one of the accused received a call stating that the drugs would instead be delivered at Khatla.
When the police team reached Khatla, they seized methamphetamine tablets from a woman, later identified as the mastermind of the racket.
Subsequent examination revealed that the seized drugs were fake.
Further investigation led to the arrest of another constable and four more women, police added.
