Agartala: May 25: Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Wednesday reiterated the state government’s firm stance on maintaining zero tolerance against drug trafficking. Speaking at an event held at Umakanta Maidan in Agartala on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Dr. Saha emphasized the government’s commitment to a “Neshamukt Tripura” (Drug-Free Tripura).
Organized by the Narcotics Control Bureau’s Agartala Zonal Unit in collaboration with the West Tripura District Administration, the event featured a blood donation camp and a motorcycle rally to raise awareness.
Highlighting the challenges faced by the state, Dr. Saha said, “Tripura is surrounded by international borders on three sides and shares boundaries with Assam and Mizoram. Drug traffickers are using the state as a corridor to smuggle drugs into Bangladesh, targeting our children in the process.” He added that the victims of drug abuse need treatment and rehabilitation, not blame.
The Chief Minister, who also holds the Home portfolio, announced the government’s initiative to set up de-addiction centers in all eight districts of the state. He also noted a 104% increase in drug seizures and a 132% rise in drug destruction between 2023–24 and 2024–25, attributing the success to active efforts by the police, security forces, and other concerned agencies.
The United Nations has designated June 26 as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking to combat drug abuse and raise global awareness.
The event was attended by senior officials, including Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha, DGP Anurag, DDG (NE Region) of the Narcotics Bureau R. Sudhakar, Anti-Narcotics Task Force Head A.R. Reddy, and others.