Over 30 tons of banned firecrackers seized near Kolkata Airport

Kolkata Airport Police seized nearly 35 tons of banned firecrackers from a truck near Gate No. 1 of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport on Thursday night. Acting on a tip-off, officers intercepted the vehicle and, upon searching it, discovered the massive consignment of illegal firecrackers. The driver, Jahirul Haque, was arrested, and the truck was taken into police custody. According to police sources, the truck originated from Champahati in Baruipur and was scheduled to travel to Assam via Belghoria Expressway.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the seized firecrackers included high-decibel varieties that are banned in West Bengal. Officials stated that the truck was under surveillance based on intelligence inputs regarding the movement of illegal explosives. “We had prior information about the consignment and were monitoring the route,” a police officer said. The truck was intercepted as it neared the airport, and after a thorough search, the entire stock was confiscated. Authorities are now verifying whether the consignment was meant for large-scale distribution in Assam.

The arrested driver was produced before Barrackpore Court on Friday, and police have sought his custody for further questioning. Investigators are probing the source of the consignment, potential suppliers, and the buyers involved in the trade. Police officials confirmed that more arrests could follow as they track down others linked to the smuggling network. The consignment has been sent for forensic analysis, and further legal proceedings are underway.