Northeast Desk, 30th November: The Tripura Police, particularly in the Sepahijala district, have achieved notable success in their efforts against drug peddlers. In 2023, the district witnessed an increase in arrests compared to the previous year, with authorities attributing the rise to heightened anti-narcotics operations. Sepahijala district shares a significant border with Bangladesh, often exploited by drug traffickers.
According to the district Superintendent of Police, Bogati Jagadeeswar Reddy, registered drug-related cases increased from 596 in 2022 to 630 until November 2023. The crackdown on drug dealers resulted in a nearly 15 percent rise in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) cases, reaching 114 until November 2023.
Anti-narcotics operations led to the seizure of approximately 69,000 units of banned cough syrup in 2022, increasing to 1.12 lakh bottles worth around 8 crores in 2023. The confiscation of Yaba tablets rose from 1 lakh 33 thousand in 2022 to about 2 lakh 13 thousand in 2023.
The police are also actively campaigning against ganja plantations, resulting in the seizure of approximately 15 thousand kg of cannabis in 2023, along with the destruction of 13 lakh ganja plantations. Additionally, the seizure of brown sugar increased from 157 grams in 2022 to 227 grams in 2023. Authorities continue their efforts to curb drug-related activities in the region.