Tripura Sees 103% Surge in Drug Seizures, 132% Rise in Destruction in 2024-25: CM Manik Saha

The Chief Minister also reaffirmed the state’s zero-tolerance approach as it intensifies its war on narcotics.

With Tripura emerging as a vital transit point in the regional drug trade, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha today revealed a 103% surge in drug seizures and a 132% increase in drug destruction in 2024–25.

Speaking on the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Chief Minister said, “According to Tripura police, compared to the financial year 2023–24, during 2024–25 we have witnessed a 103% rise in drug seizures and a 132% increase in drug destruction.”

The Chief Minister also reaffirmed the state’s zero-tolerance approach as it intensifies its war on narcotics.

The event, jointly organized by the Narcotics Control Bureau (Agartala Zonal Unit) and the West Tripura District Administration, was held at the Umakanta Academy Ground in Agartala.

A massive bike rally and a blood donation drive were flagged off as part of the awareness campaign, drawing participation from students, security personnel, health workers, and municipal staff.

Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha also raised serious concern over the rising number of drug users and HIV-AIDS cases in Tripura, particularly among the youth.

The Chief Minister said, “We are trying to contain it. The young generation is most affected, and due to drug consumption, there is a rise in cases of HIV and AIDS, particularly among the youth.”

He pointed out Tripura’s vulnerable position as a border state, surrounded on three sides by Bangladesh, making it a key corridor for drug trafficking.

He said, ‘The issue of drug menace is not only limited to Tripura, it is an issue across the world. Tripura is a very sensitive state. It shares an international border with Bangladesh, and it has become very easy to transport drugs via the state. It has been made a corridor.”

“PM Modi has already directed all states to maintain zero tolerance in case of drug menace and smuggling, and we are working following his order. On the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, in Tripura we have taken out awareness rallies and all. But this is happening today, this should happen every day,” PM Modi added.

Praising the efforts of law enforcement agencies, CM Saha said, “Security personnel along the Bangladesh border are working hard, and state police are also in the second line. We are conducting awareness programmes in schools. People are understanding gradually. We understand that when one starts taking drugs, they think it’s for their well-being, but gradually it becomes a bad habit and addiction.”

Director General of Police Anurag Dhankar also reiterated the need for community participation.

While praising the efforts of law enforcement agencies, DGP Anurag Dhankar stressed that the government and security agencies alone cannot tackle the drug problem.

He urged citizens, community leaders, and civil society to come forward and actively participate in efforts to curb the menace at the grassroots level.

Senior officials of the Tripura Police, NCB and West Tripura district administration were also present in the programme.

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