Tripura Transport and Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury today said that the state government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards drug trafficking and empowered police forces with a free hand to act against drug mafias operating through the international border.

Speaking to reporters, Chowdhury said a section of anti-national elements have been exploiting Tripura’s border corridors to smuggle narcotics into the country. 

However, he assured that the state is cracking down on the menace.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha have made it clear — we don’t want the youth of our country to fall prey to drugs. The police and the health department are working day and night, but we also need public support. Social awareness is crucial, and the government is actively working in that direction,” he said.

Chowdhury pointed out that earlier, Tripura had no de-addiction centres, but the current government has taken steps to establish such facilities.

“Previously, police didn’t have the liberty to act freely. Now, they have been fully empowered. Drug seizures are being reported daily, and the Chief Minister has categorically stated that no one involved in the drug trade will be spared,” he added.

Highlighting broader development efforts, the Minister said the government has also focused on upgrading the healthcare sector. “There was a time when students had to leave Tripura for education and medical treatment. Now, we are building the necessary infrastructure and providing facilities to ensure people don’t have to look outside the state,” he said.