Khawai, October 9 (Daily Kiran) : Assam Rifles, in coordination with the Customs Department, seized 501 kilograms of cannabis valued at approximately ₹25 lakh in Khawai district, Tripura, on October 9.
A spokesperson from the defense department reported that the operation took place on Thursday evening as part of ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking. The joint team acted on intelligence and conducted surveillance before pursuing a suspicious vehicle. The chase concluded near Baikhuntpur village, about 18 kilometers before the border of West Tripura and Khawai district, although the driver managed to escape.
No arrests have been reported in connection with this seizure. An official statement emphasized that the recovery of illegal substances underscores the continuous efforts of Assam Rifles and allied agencies to disrupt drug trafficking networks active in the Northeast.
The confiscated cannabis has been handed over to Customs officials for further investigation and legal action. This seizure follows a similar operation on October 6, where Assam Rifles and Customs seized 340 kilograms of cannabis worth around ₹1.74 crore in the same district.
Local police officials noted that state police, Assam Rifles, Tripura State Rifles (TSR), and other security forces frequently conduct joint operations to eradicate illegal cannabis cultivation, particularly in the Sepahijala district, which borders Bangladesh.
According to a police officer, the dry cannabis produced in Tripura is not used locally but is trafficked to various states, including Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, where it fetches higher prices. During transport, these shipments are often seized from trucks, smaller vehicles, and even passenger trains.
Residents, including women, have claimed that they cultivate cannabis in hilly and remote areas for their livelihood. Authorities have found instances of illegal cultivation encroaching on forest land and other government properties.
The police officer further stated that under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985, cultivation, possession, sale, purchase, or consumption of narcotic drugs is illegal, with violations carrying hefty fines and potential imprisonment of up to 20 years.
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