Has Tripura CM Adopted Comprehensive Strategies to Combat Drug Issues?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Tripura CM Manik Saha emphasizes a comprehensive approach to combat drug issues.
- Over 3,307 drug cases have been filed since 2018.
- 5,800 offenders arrested and significant amounts of drugs seized.
- Plans for drug de-addiction centers in all eight districts.
- Collaboration with citizens and various departments to reduce illicit drug cultivation.
Agartala, June 26 (NationPress) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha announced on Thursday that the state government has implemented a thorough strategy to tackle the drug crisis in the region.
In a statement made for the 'International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking', CM Saha highlighted that since the launch of the 'Nasha Mukt Tripura' initiative in 2018, a total of 3,307 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act 1985 have been registered.
Over the past seven years, authorities have arrested 5,800 individuals and confiscated over 3.06 lakh kg of dry ganja (marijuana), 13.40 lakh bottles of codeine-based cough syrup, 99.41 lakh habit-forming tablets, and more than 48 kg of heroin, according to CM Saha.
Additionally, over 8.69 crore ganja seedlings and plants have been destroyed. Properties worth Rs 7 crore, including vehicles belonging to drug traffickers, have been seized to prevent them from benefiting from their illegal activities.
As part of the 'Nasha Mukt Tripura' campaign, the state police, in collaboration with central agencies, are rigorously enforcing anti-narcotic laws, CM Saha noted.
Moreover, the Union Government has initiated a 15-day campaign called 'Drug Free India' and 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Pakhwada' from June 12 to June 26.
CM Saha, who also oversees the Health and Family Welfare and Home departments, emphasized that Tripura Police have bolstered their intelligence network and law enforcement mechanisms, involving citizens, students, and civil society for a holistic approach to eradicate the drug menace.
The Chief Minister also mentioned that the state government is promoting alternative livelihood programs in areas where cannabis cultivation is prevalent. The departments of forestry, agriculture, horticulture, and animal resources development are working to guide individuals away from illegal ganja cultivation.
While addressing a drug awareness event on Wednesday, the Chief Minister revealed that the Union Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Ministry has allocated Rs 198 crore for establishing a specialized drug de-addiction center in Sepahijala district, Bishramganj.
The state government plans to establish drug de-addiction centers in all eight districts, with an investment of Rs 20 crore for each center.
Tripura's Director General of Police, Anurag, reported that last year, various drugs, including highly addictive methamphetamine tablets and ganja worth Rs 800 crore, were seized and destroyed in Tripura.
In the first half of this year alone, drugs valued at Rs 102 crore have been confiscated, compared to Rs 135 crore last year.