Agartala, Tripura: In a significant pre-International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking crackdown, Tripura Police swept through West Tripura on June 17, apprehending nearly 80 individuals in a concerted effort to curb substance abuse. The operation, a result of persistent community complaints, highlighted not just the prevalence of drug use but also an unexpected and concerning surge in HIV cases among those detained.
The coordinated offensive targeted known hotspots like Gulbazar, Heritage Park, and Gwala Basti, areas reportedly plagued by evening gatherings of drug users. Teams comprising personnel from Tripura Police, the Traffic Department, East and West Agartala Police Stations, and the Superintendent of Police office meticulously executed the drive. Authorities confirmed that the majority of those taken into custody were found consuming ganja and other narcotic substances. All apprehended individuals were swiftly transferred to rehabilitation centres for immediate support.
However, the routine screening process at the rehabilitation centres unveiled a startling revelation: a considerable number of detainees tested positive for HIV. Health officials present at the scene confirmed these diagnoses and promptly initiated care coordination, underscoring the urgent need for integrated health interventions alongside law enforcement.
Responding to the unexpected health crisis, over 15 NGOs active in the district have mobilised, extending crucial support including HIV medication and psychological counselling. A campaign coordinator, speaking on the collaborative efforts, stated, “We are making every effort to help them return to a healthier lifestyle and reintegrate into society.”
Dr. Kiran Kumar K, IPS, Superintendent of Police, West Tripura, reiterated the consistent nature of such operations. “As part of our de-addiction campaign, we have a dedicated project under which we conduct drives four times a month, or once every 15 days,” he informed reporters, emphasizing the proactive stance of the police force. He added, “Today, in the West Tripura district, we apprehended around 70 to 80 individuals from various locations… We had received several complaints that people were gathering in these areas during the evening hours.” Dr. Kumar also stressed the indispensable role of civil society groups in providing essential support to affected individuals, affirming, “We are making every effort to ensure that these individuals can return to their previous, healthier state and lead normal lives again.” Officials have indicated that similar comprehensive operations, focusing equally on law enforcement and public health interventions, will continue across the state as part of a broader strategy to combat substance abuse.
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