70 Individuals Convicted in 52 NDPS Act Cases in Tripura: Chief Minister Saha
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Synopsis
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha reported that 70 people have been convicted in 52 cases under the NDPS Act over three years as part of the state's anti-drug initiative, highlighting the ongoing battle against illegal drug trafficking from Myanmar.
Key Takeaways
- 70 convictions in NDPS Act cases.
- 52 cases registered by Tripura police.
- Zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking.
- Significant seizures of methamphetamine and ganja.
- Awareness programs for HIV/AIDS launched.
Agartala, April 1 (NationPress) Emphasizing his administration's initiative of ‘war on drugs’ and maintaining a strict zero-tolerance policy against drug-related issues, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha announced on Tuesday that state police have filed 52 cases resulting in the conviction of 70 individuals over the past three years under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act 1985.
In response to a notice from Congress MLA Gopal Chandra Roy, the Chief Minister highlighted that various drugs are being illicitly traded in Tripura after being smuggled from Myanmar.
Saha, who oversees both the Health and Family Welfare and Home Departments, stated that law enforcement agencies are mandated to implement a zero-tolerance policy towards the illegal drug trade and other drug-related issues.
He noted that a variety of drugs, including methamphetamine tablets (referred to as Yaba), Phensedyl cough syrup, and heroin, are entering Tripura from Myanmar through Mizoram and Assam, while ganja is being exported out of the state.
Despite the illegal cultivation of ganja within Tripura, which is not consumed locally but is trafficked to other states like Bihar, the Chief Minister reported.
A total of 1.54 lakh kg of ganja was seized during the periods of 2022-23 and 2023-24. Additionally, 5.82 lakh bottles of banned cough syrup and 25.62 lakh methamphetamine tablets have been confiscated in the same timeframe.
He mentioned that 19 individuals were convicted in 13 cases under the NDPS Act in 2022, followed by 20 individuals in 16 cases in 2023, and 26 individuals in 2024.
The Chief Minister informed the Assembly that as of January 2025, around 5,520 injecting drug users have received treatment from Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) centers, with 612 individuals successfully completing treatment and returning to healthier lifestyles.
From April 2024 to January 2025, the Tripura AIDS Control Society, in collaboration with educational institutions, NGOs, clubs, and various organizations, has conducted numerous initiatives aimed at raising awareness and combating HIV/AIDS in the state.
