Agartala, Aug 8: In a major breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking, the Tripura Police on Thursday seized 90,000 Yaba tablets from an auto-rickshaw near the Agartala by-pass road. The seizure was made during a routine operation by police officials posted in the area, newly appointed Superintendent of Police (West Tripura), Namit Pathak, informed.
Addressing media persons at Amtali Police Station, SP Pathak said, “The estimated market value of the seized narcotic substance is approximately ₹1.25 crore. The auto-rickshaw was signaled to stop for checking, but the driver, identified as Subir Sutradhar, tried to flee the scene.”
The police team immediately chased the vehicle and intercepted it near a roadside Dhaba. Upon searching the auto, officials recovered a large quantity of Yaba tablets, which had been hidden in concealed compartments.
“This is not the first such seizure in the Amtali Police Station’s jurisdiction. The area has seen repeated attempts of narcotic smuggling, but consistent efforts by the police have helped curb such activities,” said SP Pathak.
He lauded the role of the Amtali police team in intercepting the consignment and reiterated the department’s commitment to cracking down on drug networks operating in and around Agartala.
However, contradicting the police’s version, local sources claimed that vigilant residents of the area first noticed the suspicious vehicle and stopped it. They then informed the police, who arrived and carried out the formal search.
Regardless of the trigger, the operation marks one of the largest recent drug hauls in the region and underscores the growing concerns over drug trafficking through Tripura’s borders. Police have launched further investigations to identify the larger network behind the smuggling.