Teliamura Police in Khowai district of Tripura have arrested two individuals from Bhagalpur, Bihar, for smuggling a large quantity of dry cannabis. The police seized 21 kilograms of the contraband, estimated to be worth over ₹1 lakh in the illegal market. The successful operation is being hailed as a major achievement in the ongoing crackdown on drug-related crimes in the region.
The Arrest
According to official reports, the two accused — identified as Ravi Kumar and Om Nath Yadav — were caught during a routine vehicle checking drive conducted by officers of Teliamura Police Station near the Trisha Bari area. The police team, led by Officer-in-Charge (OC) Jayanta Dey, was conducting random inspections as part of a larger operation aimed at curbing drug smuggling along national highways and border areas.
During the check, the duo reportedly became nervous and attempted to flee the scene. Their suspicious behavior prompted the officers to pursue and eventually detain them. Upon searching their shoulder bags, police discovered 21 individually packed packets of dry cannabis, carefully concealed for transport.
The seizure and subsequent arrest were carried out in the presence of a Designated Civil Magistrate (DCM), ensuring full compliance with legal protocols and transparency under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Legal Action Underway
Speaking to the press, OC Jayanta Dey confirmed that legal proceedings have been initiated against both accused under the NDPS Act. “We acted on a standard checking protocol. The suspects behaved suspiciously and tried to escape. After detaining them, we recovered a significant quantity of cannabis intended for smuggling. The necessary legal actions have already been taken, and further investigation is underway,” he stated.
The police suspect that Ravi Kumar and Om Nath Yadav were planning to transport the cannabis via railway routes from Teliamura to other states, possibly for distribution through a wider network. Authorities are currently interrogating the duo to determine whether they are part of a larger inter-state smuggling syndicate.
Tripura as a Transit Route
Tripura, with its strategic geographic location near the India-Bangladesh border and connectivity to other northeastern states, has increasingly become a transit hub for drug traffickers. Over the past year, law enforcement agencies in the state have made several similar arrests, recovering cannabis, heroin, brown sugar, and other banned substances from various locations including Agartala, Dharmanagar, and now Teliamura.
Police officials believe that organized drug trafficking networks are exploiting Tripura’s road and rail infrastructure to smuggle narcotics into and out of the state, using it as a corridor to move contraband between the northeast and mainland India.
Rise in Drug-Related Crimes
The Teliamura cannabis seizure is not an isolated incident but part of a wider trend of rising drug-related offenses across Tripura. In the first half of 2025 alone, the Tripura Police have registered multiple cases under the NDPS Act, reflecting a growing concern among law enforcement and policymakers.
To combat this, the police have intensified vehicle checking drives, surveillance operations, and community awareness campaigns. The state government has also launched anti-narcotics task forces and coordinated with neighboring states to share intelligence on trafficking networks.
Appeal to Public for Support
Law enforcement officials are urging the public to remain vigilant and cooperate by reporting suspicious activity. “Combating drug trafficking is not just the responsibility of the police; it requires public support. We urge citizens to share any information that could help prevent these illegal activities,” said a senior police officer.
Conclusion
The 21 kg cannabis seizure in Teliamura underscores the growing challenge posed by narcotics trafficking in Tripura and the northeastern region. The swift and effective response by the Teliamura Police reflects the seriousness with which authorities are treating such threats. With further investigation underway, more arrests could follow, and efforts to dismantle drug smuggling networks are expected to intensify.
This latest success is a reminder that while drug traffickers continue to evolve their methods, the law enforcement machinery is equally determined to stay a step ahead.