Tripura’s Zero-Tolerance Drive Nets 1,665 NDPS Cases, 2,697 Arrests and Rs. 1,500+ Crore Seizures in Three Years
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, August 18, 2025
Under Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha’s zero tolerance policy against narcotics, Tripura has witnessed an unprecedented crackdown on drug smuggling over the last three years. Official data shows that more than 1,665 cases have been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, leading to the arrest of 2,697 individuals. Drugs valued at over Rs. 1,500 crore have been seized, including massive hauls of cannabis, banned tablets, cough syrups, and heroin.
The state government maintains that its anti-narcotics strategy is producing tangible results. Convictions are rising, with 70 offenders already convicted under NDPS provisions. In the financial year 2024–25 alone, drug seizures surged by 106% and the destruction of seized narcotics increased by 132%, which officials describe as concrete, measurable actions instead of empty assurances.
Supporters of the government argue that law and order in Tripura has significantly strengthened under Dr. Saha’s leadership. They point to one of the highest conviction rates in the Northeast region as proof of the administration’s strong commitment to justice and its firm stance against organized crime.
However, critics have raised doubts over the intent behind the campaign. Some allege that sections of the ruling political circles benefit from drug-related funds during elections and dismiss the government’s claims as hollow rhetoric.
Critics argue that everyone knows how this smuggling network runs, a critic said, branding the drive more as a publicity exercise than a genuine clean-up.
At the same time, many critics also acknowledge Dr. Saha’s personal sincerity in combating the drug menace. They note that the Chief Minister has repeatedly appealed to his cabinet colleagues, MLAs, and opposition parties and BJP leadership to take the fight to the streets against drug trafficking. Yet, except for MLA and Deputy Speaker Ram Prasad Pal, very few ministers or political leaders have actively participated in public campaigns. Pal has been consistently organizing weekly rallies and awareness meetings in his Suryamaninagar constituency, earning recognition for his grassroots level efforts.
As the debate sharpens, the contrasting narratives reveal the complexity of Tripura’s battle against narcotics. While the statistics of arrests, seizures, and convictions highlight major strides, questions of political will and collective responsibility continue to cast a shadow over the state’s war on drugs.
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