In a major crackdown on illegal drug manufacturing, the Kotwali police, under the Krishnagar police district seized a large quantity of acetic anhydride, a banned chemical essential for heroin production. Three persons were arrested in connection with the case late last night.

Acting on a tip-off from a reliable source, a police team led by DSP Shilpi Paul and IC Kotwali Amalendu Biswas set up a trap on national highway 12 near Jora Masjid at around 9 p.m. According to police sources, intelligence reports indicated that a truck bound for Murshidabad from Kolkata was carrying a significant quantity of contraband chemicals.

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Upon arrival of the truck at the designated spot, the police team pursued and intercepted the vehicle. A thorough search of the truck revealed several containers filled with acetic anhydride, along with numerous cartons packed with body sprays. As the truck drivers failed to produce valid documents for the transportation of the chemical, they were immediately taken into custody.

“We have seized the truck carrying illegal contraband chemicals without proper documentation. During the search, we recovered eight containers, each holding approximately 60 litres of acetic anhydride. This chemical is crucial for heroin production,” said DSP Shilpi Paul.

The arrested individuals were identified as Taiyab (25) and Najim (18) from Bharatpur, Rajasthan, and Ashok (38) from Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh. They were produced before the chief judicial magistrate’s court in Krishnagar, where the magistrate remanded them to police custody for seven days.

Police sources confirmed that acetic anhydride is a key component in the production of heroin, as it is used to convert morphine extracted from opium poppies into the illicit drug. The chemical also has legal applications in the manufacture of aspirin, plastics, paints, and cigarette filters, but is often diverted for illegal drug production.

The international market value of acetic anhydride is estimated at around Rs 16,000 per litre. Investigations are underway to trace the origins and intended recipients of the contraband, as authorities suspect the involvement of a larger drug syndicate.

Further inquiries are being conducted to dismantle the supply chain and prevent the trafficking of such substances in the future, a senior police officer said.