In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, Tripura Police arrested a local musician after recovering more than 173 kg of dried ganja valued at over Rs 10 lakh from his residence in the Konaban area under Madhupur police station limits of Sepahijala district.

The accused, identified as Paritosh Sarkar, was apprehended following a tip-off received by Officer-in-Charge Debajit Chatterjee on Sunday afternoon. 

Acting on the intelligence, a joint team comprising personnel from the Madhupur Police Station, Tripura State Rifles (TSR), and the Intelligence Department launched a swift raid on Sarkar’s premises.

According to police, Sarkar attempted to flee the scene upon spotting the approaching team but was quickly caught.

During the search operation, police recovered large quantities of ganja concealed under a sand heap in the courtyard, inside the house, and from a nearby hill located behind the property. In total, 173.570 kg of contraband was seized.

Speaking to reporters, OC Chatterjee confirmed that a case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

"Preliminary investigation reveals that several local youths were in contact with the accused. We are expanding the probe to identify others involved in this network," he said.

Police sources indicated that further arrests are likely as the investigation progresses.