Arunachal Pradesh have warned their zero-tolerance stance, warning that no one is above the law in the fight against drugs.
By PC Bureau
August 22 – In a significant crackdown against narcotics in Arunachal Pradesh, Chimpu Police on Friday arrested a student leader and a local journalist for their alleged involvement in drug trafficking.
The police carried out the arrest after, acting on specific intelligence, they intercepted a white Grand Vitara at the Chimpu Check Post. The naka operation was executed under the direct supervision of SDPO Itanagar DySP Kengo Dirchi, OC Inspector N. Nishant, and the Chimpu Police team, with overall monitoring by SP Itanagar Jummar Basar.
To ensure transparency and adherence to legal procedures, Special Judicial Magistrate (Narcotics) Shri Oli Koyu and an independent witness were present during the search.
The Police have identified the accused as: William Tana Tara (27): Secretary (Research & Documentation) of the influential All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU). He also held a Press ID card of APN Live, raising questions about misuse of credentials; and Biki Phukan (28): A non-tribal resident of H-Sector, Itanagar, originally from North Lakhimpur, Assam.
READ: Mizoram Sees ₹600-Crore Narcotics Haul in Just One Month
The police seized the following items from their possessions: Over 10 vials of heroin (2.5 gms net weight) 4 empty vials Cash (amount undisclosed)A press ID card Multiple suspected mobile phones The Grand Vitara vehicle used for transportation
All Nyishi Students Union’s Assistant Research and Documentation Secretary, William Tana Tara (27), and Biki Phukan (28) of North Lakhimpur, Assam, were caught by the Itanagar police with 10 vials of heroin, cash, and a press ID card. pic.twitter.com/SX32ZHmcYw
— The Arunachal Times (@arunachaltimes_) August 23, 2025
The police have registered a case under Chimpu PS Case No. 57/2025 for offences under Sections 21(a)/27A/29 of the NDPS Act, which pertain to possession, financing, and conspiracy in drug trafficking. Police sources confirmed that the arrests are part of a larger investigation to unravel the supply chain and identify other individuals linked to the narcotics network.
Reiterating its zero-tolerance stance against narcotics, the Itanagar Capital Police assured that strict action will continue against all individuals, regardless of their social standing, found indulging in drug-related crimes. “No one is above the law. Whether a student leader, journalist, or any other individual, those who try to push drugs into society will face the strictest possible action,” said a senior police officer.
The arrests have sent shockwaves through Itanagar, given the involvement of individuals associated with student politics and the media—both influential segments of civil society in Arunachal Pradesh.
