Tripura Police seized 50 kg of methamphetamine-based Yaba tablets worth around Rs 40 crore in North Tripura on Wednesday, arresting one alleged drug peddler as authorities stepped up efforts to disrupt a suspected Myanmar-Mizoram-Tripura-Bangladesh trafficking route.
Quick Glance
- North Tripura Police seized 50 kg of Yaba tablets valued at around Rs 40 crore.
- Police arrested one person in connection with the narcotics seizure at Panisagar.
- The Tripura government plans drug de-addiction centres in all eight districts, with Rs 20 crore allocated for each centre.
Tripura Police have made a major drug seizure in North Tripura, recovering 50 kg of Yaba tablets worth approximately Rs 40 crore and arresting one person allegedly involved in narcotics peddling.
The operation took place under Panisagar Police Station. The seizure marks a major action against the illegal drug trade in the state.
Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha announced the development through a post on X. He said North Tripura Police had intercepted the large consignment of Yaba tablets during the operation.
“A major breakthrough in our fight against drugs! In a significant operation, North Tripura Police under Panisagar Police Station seized 50 kg of Yaba tablets valued at approx. ₹40 crore, a major blow to the illicit drug network,” Dr Saha said.
The Chief Minister also praised the police and security forces for their efforts against drug trafficking. He said the operation reinforced the state government’s campaign to protect young people and society from drug abuse.
“This success reflects the unwavering commitment of our police and security forces to protect our youth and society from the menace of drugs and strengthens our mission towards a Nasha Mukt Tripura,” he said.
Police Suspect Myanmar Link
Police suspect that smugglers brought the seized narcotics from Myanmar. Investigators believe the drugs entered Tripura through Mizoram before smugglers planned to move them towards neighbouring Bangladesh.
Tripura shares a 109-km interstate boundary with Mizoram. It also has an 856-km international border with Bangladesh.
The state’s location places it along a route that can connect narcotics trafficking networks operating across parts of the Northeast and neighbouring countries.
The latest seizure has therefore added to ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to disrupt the movement of illegal drugs through the region.
What Are Yaba Tablets?
Yaba tablets contain methamphetamine and caffeine. People commonly refer to them as “party” tablets.
The tablets have seen widespread misuse in Bangladesh and other neighbouring countries. They are also abused in India.
Methamphetamine is a banned drug in India. Authorities have continued to target its illegal manufacture, transportation and distribution.
Codeine-based cough syrups also remain among the substances commonly misused and illegally smuggled into Bangladesh, according to the report.
Northeast Faces Drug Trafficking Challenge
Mizoram and Manipur have emerged as important corridors for narcotics trafficking in the Northeast.
Their long and porous international borders with Myanmar create challenges for agencies trying to stop cross-border smuggling. Their proximity to the Golden Triangle also adds to the region’s exposure to illicit drug networks.
The Golden Triangle ranks among the world’s major regions associated with illicit narcotics production.
Six districts in Mizoram and five districts in Manipur share around 910 km of unfenced international border with Myanmar.
The geography creates a complex challenge for security and law enforcement agencies. Cross-border routes can facilitate the movement of narcotics into the Northeast before traffickers attempt to move them to other destinations.
Tripura Expands De-Addiction Infrastructure
Dr Saha has repeatedly stressed his government’s zero-tolerance approach towards drug-related activities.
“Law enforcement agencies must take all-out measures to curb drug-related activities,” he had said earlier.
The state government has also decided to establish drug de-addiction centres in all eight districts of Tripura.
The government has earmarked Rs 20 crore for each centre. The move aims to expand access to treatment and rehabilitation facilities for people affected by drug abuse.
The Union Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) has already sanctioned Rs 198 crore for a specialised drug de-addiction centre at Bishramganj in Sepahijala district.
The Tripura government has linked the expansion of rehabilitation infrastructure with its broader campaign to tackle drug abuse.
The latest Panisagar seizure adds another major enforcement action to that effort. Police are continuing to target suspected trafficking networks, while the government is also focusing on de-addiction and rehabilitation facilities across the state. (With inputs from IANS)