What Is the Latest Drug and Cigarette Seizure in Tripura and Mizoram?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Security forces in Tripura and Mizoram seized illegal drugs and cigarettes.
- The total contraband value is over Rs 2.35 crore.
- Three individuals were arrested during the operations.
- The government is committed to a drug-free environment.
- Awareness campaigns are being conducted to educate the public.
Agartala/Aizawl, Aug 8 (NationPress) Security forces in Tripura and Mizoram have successfully intercepted a significant haul of highly addictive banned methamphetamine tablets and foreign cigarettes valued at over Rs 2.35 crore, leading to the arrest of three individuals, according to officials on Friday.
A police spokesperson reported that an auto-rickshaw driver was apprehended with 90,000 methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 1.35 crore from the Amtali region on the outskirts of Agartala late Thursday night.
During a routine patrol, police pursued an auto-rickshaw traveling from Khayerpur to Amtali and managed to stop the vehicle. Upon searching it, they discovered the methamphetamine tablets, commonly referred to as Yaba or party tablets.
"The driver of the auto-rickshaw was detained for carrying the illegal substances. An investigation is currently in progress," stated Superintendent of Police (SP) for West Tripura district, Namit Pathak, during a media briefing.
He added that law enforcement has intensified surveillance in various areas of the city and its outskirts following reports of illegal activities related to drugs, and this seizure is a testament to these efforts.
In a social media update on Friday, Chief Minister Manik Saha remarked, "During a search operation on the Amtali Bypass, the Amtali police recovered 90,000 Yaba tablets, apprehended one individual, and seized an auto-rickshaw."
"We are steadfast in our commitment to establishing a drug-free Tripura, and our unwavering battle against drug traffickers will persist with full resolve," Saha emphasized.
Yaba, also known as 'crazy medicine', is prohibited in the country as it contains methamphetamine, classified as a Schedule II substance under the Controlled Substances Act.
In Mizoram, acting on specific intelligence, the Assam Rifles initiated a search operation on Friday in the Tlangsam area bordering Champhai district.
During this operation, troops discovered various types of foreign cigarettes estimated to be worth approximately Rs 1 crore from a vehicle.
Two individuals, identified as H Ramengmawia and Zosangliana, were also arrested.
The confiscated items, vehicle, and individuals have been transferred to the Legal Metrology Department in Champhai.
Meanwhile, the Assam Rifles and Mizoram Police seized heroin and foreign cigarettes exceeding Rs 9.47 crore and detained one person during two separate operations in the same Champhai district on Wednesday night.
Myanmar’s Chin State has become a major center for drug trafficking, wildlife smuggling, and other illegal activities.
The illegal goods are often routed through six districts in Mizoram—Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip—which share a 510 km unfenced border with Myanmar.
Moreover, the Assam Rifles have been conducting awareness campaigns, including seminars and discussions, that highlight the detrimental effects of drug use and the legal repercussions of drug trafficking, as stipulated under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
The Defence spokesman stated that the purpose of these campaigns is to enlighten the local community, particularly the youth, about the harmful consequences of drug abuse and the serious legal ramifications tied to drug trafficking and dealing.