Anurag Dhankar, Director General of Police of Tripura, on Thursday reaffirmed the commitment of the state police and other enforcement agencies to tackling the escalating drug problem in the region.

Speaking at the “Run for Nasha Mukt Tripura & Creating Awareness on New Criminal Laws – Nyaya Sanhita” event held as part of Tripura Police Week, the DGP said intensified action against narcotics has led to a notable rise in cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act). In 2025, such cases have increased by 11 per cent compared to 2024, indicating stronger enforcement and sustained crackdowns on drug-related activities.

Detailing the achievements, Dhankar reported that 32,700 kilograms of dry ganja were seized in 2025, up from 28,600 kilograms the previous year — a 14 per cent increase. The seizure of cough syrup bottles saw an even sharper spike of 145 per cent, rising from around one lakh bottles in 2024 to 2.46 lakh bottles in 2025. Efforts to eliminate illegal ganja cultivation also intensified, with nearly 32 lakh plants destroyed this year compared to approximately 16.47 lakh in 2024, marking a 94 per cent rise.

The overall value of drugs seized and destroyed also climbed significantly. While narcotics worth Rs 858 crore were confiscated and eliminated in 2024, the figure surged to Rs 1,645 crore in 2025 — an increase of nearly 93 per cent.

Emphasising that enforcement alone is not enough, the DGP underscored the importance of curbing demand. He noted that awareness initiatives are crucial to prevent young people from falling prey to substance abuse, which harms not only individuals but entire families.

To strengthen grassroots intervention, Tripura Police, in coordination with various state government departments, has been conducting awareness drives in schools, colleges, institutions, and communities across the state.

Dhankar concluded by stressing that the battle against drug abuse requires a united approach involving law enforcement agencies, government bodies, and society at large to protect the future of the younger generation.