Agartala, Jan 30 (NationPress) In a significant operation, the Assam Rifles along with various security agencies have eradicated illegal ganja (marijuana) cultivation valued at Rs 27 crore in Tripura, officials announced on Friday.

A representative from the Defence sector revealed that the Assam Rifles, in collaboration with the Tripura Police, State Forest Department, Border Security Force, and Tripura State Rifles, executed a substantial operation against unlawful drug farming in the regions of Kamalnagar and Bijoynagar, located approximately 48 km south of Agartala, within the Sepahijala district.

During this effort, over 1.8 lakh ganja saplings, estimated to be worth Rs 27 crore, were destroyed.

This initiative is part of the Assam Rifles' ongoing mission to promote a 'Nasha Mukt Bharat' (Drug-Free India).

The Assam Rifles remains dedicated to combating the drug crisis and protecting the youth and community from the detrimental impacts of narcotics through persistent and coordinated efforts, as stated in an official release.

In a separate operation on January 28, the Assam Rifles and other security forces dismantled illicit ganja cultivation worth Rs 14.5 crore in the same Sepahijala district.

On January 28, approximately 1.45 lakh illegal ganja saplings cultivated over more than 58 acres were eradicated in a multi-hour operation.

"The confiscated narcotic is believed to have a market value close to Rs 14.5 crore, delivering a substantial setback to drug networks in the area," a Defence spokesperson noted.

Earlier this month, around 30 lakh ganja plants valued at Rs 145 crore were eliminated in just ten days in Sepahijala district.

Officials indicated that the dry ganja produced in Tripura is not consumed locally but smuggled to regions like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, where it commands higher prices.

During transit, shipments of dry ganja are frequently intercepted from trucks, small vehicles, and even passenger trains.

Local residents, including women, reported that they cultivate ganja in remote and rugged terrains as a means of survival.

A police official mentioned that numerous instances have revealed that forest land and other governmental areas are being encroached upon and unlawfully utilized for cannabis farming.

He highlighted that the NDPS Act, 1985 prohibits the cultivation, possession, sale, purchase, or consumption of narcotic and psychotropic substances, with violations potentially leading to severe penalties including fines and imprisonment of up to 20 years.