Tripura's Chief Minister, Prof. Dr. Manik Saha, announced a significant increase in the state's efforts to combat drug smuggling. Speaking on August 16, 2025, Dr. Saha reported that drug destruction is up by 132% and seizures have increased by 104% compared to the previous year. This announcement underscores the government's commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking.
The Chief Minister made these remarks while inaugurating a voluntary blood donation camp organized by the Aurobindo Sangha at the AD Nagar Higher Secondary School grounds in Agartala. He highlighted that Tripura is ahead of many other states in the country regarding blood donation. Dr. Saha emphasized the importance of maintaining an adequate stock of negative blood types, noting that 15 out of 100 people have negative blood groups.
Dr. Saha stressed that police and other security agencies have been instructed to take strict action against individuals involved in drug smuggling. He acknowledged the challenges in reversing the effects of previous administrations' policies but affirmed the government's dedication to progress, mirroring Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for the country. The Chief Minister also urged parents to be more vigilant and aware of the dangers of drug use, especially among the youth. He noted that both boys and girls are becoming victims of drug addiction, necessitating ongoing government intervention.
The Tripura government is actively working to build a "Neshamukt Tripura" (Drug-Free Tripura). This includes establishing drug de-addiction centers in all eight districts of the state to provide treatment and support to those affected by drug abuse. Tripura's geographical location, surrounded by international borders with Bangladesh, Assam and Mizoram, makes it a vulnerable corridor for drug trafficking. The state is being used as a route to smuggle drugs into Bangladesh, making Tripura's children targets.
In a recent operation, Sonamura police arrested a drug peddler attempting to smuggle 12.5 kg of dried marijuana to Bangladesh. The seized marijuana has a higher value in Bangladesh, where it can be sold for approximately Tk 2,000 per kilogram, ultimately fetching around Tk 2.5 lakh. The arrested individual, Abul Khair (25), is a resident of Naldhepa, Motinagar, under Sonamura Police Station in the Sepahijala district. Preliminary interrogation has yielded vital information, and further arrests are expected.
