Police Team Surrounded During Anti-Drug Operation in Khowai, 40 kg of Cannabis Seized, Major Haul Escapes

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, June 27, 2026

A major anti-drug operation in Tripura's Khowai district took a dramatic turn on Friday evening when a police team, led by the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), was allegedly surrounded and confined by a mob while attempting to seize a large quantity of cannabis. The incident occurred in the Kachhamati area of Ratanpur under Baijalbari Police Station, highlighting the growing challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in cracking down on narcotics networks.

According to police sources, SDPO D Khudiyarasu received credible intelligence that more than 200 kilograms of dried cannabis had been concealed inside a Sintex water tank in the Kachhamati area for the purpose of trafficking. Acting on the information, the SDPO, accompanied by the Officer-in-Charge of Baijalbari Police Station and a large police contingent, launched a surprise raid in the locality.

As soon as the police reached the spot, they allegedly encountered stiff resistance from suspected drug traffickers and cannabis cultivators. Police claimed that local women were brought to the forefront of the protest, surrounding the raiding team and preventing officers from carrying out the operation. The SDPO, the Officer-in-Charge, and several other police personnel remained confined by the crowd for a considerable period beginning around 7 pm.

The situation escalated rapidly after district authorities were informed of the incident. Khowai Additional Superintendent of Police Justin Joseph, accompanied by reinforcements from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Tripura State Rifles (TSR), rushed to the scene to rescue the trapped officers and restore order.

Police alleged that as the reinforcement teams arrived, sections of the crowd and suspected narcotics traffickers resorted to heavy stone-pelting. To avoid a violent confrontation and possible casualties, the security forces temporarily withdrew from the immediate area.

Taking advantage of the tense situation, the alleged traffickers reportedly removed and escaped with a substantial portion of the cannabis that had been hidden in the Sintex tank. When police and central forces later re-established control over the area, they managed to recover approximately 40 kilograms of dried cannabis, which was seized and brought safely to the police station.

After prolonged efforts, the SDPO and the other police personnel who had been surrounded were successfully rescued without any reported injuries.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident and stated that efforts are underway to identify those involved in obstructing government officials, attacking police personnel, and assisting the alleged narcotics operation.

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