Agartala, Oct 7 (NationPress) In a significant drug bust, the Assam Rifles, working in close collaboration with Customs officials, confiscated contraband estimated at Rs 70 crore in Tripura, leading to the apprehension of four drug traffickers, according to officials on Tuesday.

A defense representative stated that this operation marked a robust response to drug trafficking, with the Assam Rifles and Customs officials executing a meticulously planned initiative in the Singhichhara region of Khowai district.

Following credible tips, the joint task force intercepted two trucks disguised as cement carriers that were used for transporting narcotics, recovering 69.61 kg of highly addictive methamphetamine tablets worth approximately Rs 70 crore. Four individuals involved in the drug trade were also taken into custody.

The spokesperson noted that this operation was a continuation of a successful mission conducted on September 29 in the bordering Mohanpur area of West Tripura district.

The September 29 operation resulted in the seizure of 60.77 kg of illegal methamphetamine tablets valued at Rs 60 crore.

According to the defense spokesman, the troops acted on reliable intelligence, successfully intercepting a significant consignment on September 29, thwarting attempts by drug dealers to exploit the festive spirit of Durga Puja to smuggle methamphetamine tablets, commonly referred to as Yaba tablets, into the state.

Insights and patterns from the previous seizure were closely analyzed, leading to the identification of critical smuggling routes and networks active in the area, he added.

The defense PRO emphasized that the 'Sentinels of the North East' remain dedicated to dismantling drug networks and fostering a drug-free society.

The methamphetamine tablets, often called Yaba or party tablets, consist of a blend of methamphetamine and caffeine and are frequently labeled as the 'crazy drug.' They are illegal in India.

A senior police officer suggested that these drugs may have been trafficked from Myanmar and were transported through Mizoram and southern Assam to reach Tripura, ultimately destined for neighboring Bangladesh.

Tripura shares an 856 km border with Bangladesh and is bordered on three sides by the neighboring nation, rendering the Northeastern state susceptible to cross-border migration, various crimes, illegal trade, and movement issues.

While most of the border area has been fenced to curb smuggling, trans-border crimes, and illegal infiltrations, some patches remain vulnerable.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha reported that law enforcement agencies arrested 248 individuals for illegal drug use and apprehended 2,729 drug dealers in the last three financial years.

In response to questions from Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman and CPI(M) legislator Sudip Sarkar during a recent state assembly session, the Chief Minister indicated that authorities are currently searching for 28 more drug sellers who are evading capture.

CM Saha, who also oversees the Home Department, stated in a written response that under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, the conviction rates were 11.7 percent in 2022 and 2023 and 5 percent in 2024.

In accordance with court directives, the High-Level Drug Disposal Committee and State Level Drug Disposal Committee have destroyed and incinerated the confiscated drugs at pre-designated locations, the Chief Minister reported.