Agartala, January 15:
In a major crackdown on narcotics trafficking, the Government Railway Police (GRP) and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Agartala Railway Station jointly arrested four tribal women on Thursday afternoon for allegedly attempting to smuggle a huge consignment of dry marijuana by train, suspected to be destined outside Tripura.
Confirming the arrests, Officer-in-Charge of GRP Agartala, Raju Bhowmik, said the women were detained based on suspicion from Platform No. 1, near the RPF post, during routine surveillance and checking of passengers. The coordinated operation was carried out following specific inputs about possible drug movement through railway routes.
During a detailed search of their belongings, security personnel recovered a total of 46.590 kilograms of contraband ganja concealed inside trolley bags and handbags carried by the suspects. The seizure was made in the presence of witnesses, following standard legal procedures under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
“The estimated black market value of the seized narcotics ranges between ₹10 lakh and ₹15 lakh,” Bhowmik stated, adding that the quantity recovered clearly indicates organised trafficking rather than personal use.
A case has been registered under Agartala GRPS Case No. 2026GRP006, invoking Sections 21(C) and 29 of the NDPS Act, 1985, which deal with possession of commercial quantity of narcotic substances and criminal conspiracy.
The arrested women have been identified as Jesmin Debbarma (26), Abi Debbarma (21), Rani Debbarma (39), and Eva Debbarma (19). All four were taken into custody and are expected to be produced before a competent court after completion of necessary formalities.
Police officials said further investigation is underway to determine the source of the contraband, the route through which it was transported, and its intended destination. Efforts are also being made to identify and apprehend other members of the drug trafficking network involved in the case.
Authorities reiterated that railway stations remain a key transit point for narcotics smuggling, and intensified checks will continue as part of ongoing efforts to curb the drug menace in the state.
