29 NDPS Cases Registered in Unakoti in 2026, 42 Arrested : No Convictions and Punishments raises Questions
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, October 31, 2026
The Tripura Government's Information and Cultural Affairs (ICA) Department has issued a clarification regarding a news report published by a newspaper on October 3, 2026, concerning drug-related activities in Unakoti district. However, while the clarification highlights the number of NDPS cases registered, quantities of seized narcotics and arrests made, it does not provide any information about convictions, successful prosecutions or punishments awarded to the accused.
According to the clarification issued by the ICA Department on October 30, a total of 29 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act were registered in Unakoti district during 2026. Police seized 329.732 kg of ganja, 3,341 bottles of cough syrup, 13,370 tablets and 40.86 grams of heroin in connection with these cases. A total of 42 persons were arrested in connection with the cases.
The clarification further stated that a large number of ganja plantations had been destroyed as part of the anti-narcotics drive. The Superintendent of Police, Unakoti, reportedly directed all police stations to establish naka checkpoints and conduct thorough searches of suspicious vehicles and individuals. Special instructions were also issued to keep a close watch on habitual drug offenders and coordinate with intelligence personnel.
However, the clarification has raised another important question concerning the effectiveness of the anti-drug campaign. While the registration of 29 NDPS cases and the arrest of 42 persons indicate police action against drug-related activities, the statement does not disclose how many of these cases have resulted in charge sheets, how many accused persons have been convicted, or whether any punishment has actually been awarded by the courts.
Merely registering NDPS cases, seizing narcotics and arresting accused persons cannot be the ultimate measure of success in combating drug trafficking. The effectiveness of enforcement also depends on the quality of investigation, collection of admissible evidence, timely filing of charge sheets and successful prosecution before courts.
The clarification does not establish that the investigations were defective or that no accused person was punished. Nevertheless, the absence of prosecution and conviction statistics leaves an important part of the anti-drug enforcement record unanswered.
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