30,000 Detonators Seized in Meghalaya, Two Assam Men Arrested

Police in Meghalaya arrested two men from Assam after allegedly recovering 30,000 detonators from a car during a vehicle checking drive in East Jaintia Hills district, officials said on Thursday.

The seizure was made at Umkiang in the early hours of Wednesday when police intercepted a vehicle travelling towards Silchar. Superintendent of Police Pankaj Kumar Rasgania said a detailed search of the vehicle led to the recovery of the detonators, which were concealed inside two boxes and a bag.

The accused were identified as Kamrul Ali Laskar and Ibrahim Uddin Laskar . Both were taken into custody at the spot.

A case has been registered at Lumshnong Police Station under the Explosive Substances Act Explosive Substances Act. Police said investigations are underway to trace the source of the detonators and identify the intended recipients.

Officials are also examining whether the explosives were linked to illegal mining, unauthorised blasting activities or a larger inter-state supply network. Authorities are verifying if the accused possessed valid licences or transport permits for carrying such a large quantity of explosive material.

Detonators are highly sensitive explosive devices used to trigger larger blasts in mining, quarrying and construction operations. Given the scale of the seizure, security agencies are expected to intensify the investigation and question the accused further about possible associates and the destination of the consignment.