Three alleged peddlers were arrested late Monday night in an Agartala railway station drug bust, seizing more than 3.2 kilograms of dry ganja.
The operation was carried out in a joint effort by the Government Railway Police (GRP) and the Railway Protection Force (RPF).
Late-Night Raid Nets Major Seizure
According to officials, the bust occurred during a routine surveillance drive aimed at curbing narcotics smuggling through railway routes.
Inspector Debabrata Das of the Agartala GRP confirmed the arrests.
“Our teams noticed suspicious movement near platform number two around 11:30 PM. When searched, the three men were found carrying packets of ganja concealed in their luggage,” said Das.
He added that the seized contraband weighed precisely 3.245 kilograms.
Suspects Under Interrogation
The arrested individuals have been identified as residents of different districts in Tripura. Their names are being withheld pending further investigation.
Preliminary interrogation suggests that the accused were planning to transport the ganja to other parts of the northeast. Further, possibly extending the supply chain into neighboring states.
Agartala Railway Station a Key Focus
This Agartala railway station drug bust underscores the vulnerability of transport hubs in Tripura as routes for narcotics trafficking.
Officials say Agartala’s rail station, given its connectivity, has become an attractive target for smugglers seeking to move illicit substances under the cover of passenger traffic.
Officials Tighten Security Measures
Following the incident, the GRP and RPF have announced tighter checks at the station.
“Additional personnel will be deployed. Luggage screening will be intensified, especially for long-distance trains,” Inspector Das confirmed.
He urged passengers to cooperate during checks, highlighting that such measures are essential for safety and to curb the growing drug menace.
Tripura’s Ongoing Drug Battle
Tripura has witnessed a surge in drug trafficking cases in recent years. The state’s proximity to international borders makes it a vulnerable corridor for smuggling operations.
According to the Tripura Police Crime Records Bureau, the state seized nearly 1,000 kilograms of ganja last year alone.
Police sources reveal that traffickers increasingly use rail networks to dodge highway checks.
Links to Organized Networks Suspected
Authorities suspect the three arrested men might be linked to a larger network.
“The nature of packaging and quantity suggests organized operations rather than individual smuggling,” said a senior GRP officer involved in the probe.
Further interrogations are underway to identify suppliers and intended buyers.
Public Urged to Stay Vigilant
The police have appealed to the public to report suspicious behavior, particularly at transit points like railway stations and bus terminals.
“Public support is crucial to our fight against narcotics,” said Inspector Das.
He emphasized that tip-offs from vigilant citizens have often led to significant seizures in the past.
Legal Proceedings Underway
A case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
If convicted, the accused face rigorous imprisonment ranging from 10 to 20 years. Further, along with heavy fines.
The police have assured that they will ensure the case proceeds swiftly to set an example against drug trafficking in Tripura.
Indian Railways Official Website
Ministry of Home Affairs – Narcotics Control
Call to Action:
Stay updated on developments in the Agartala railway station drug bust. Help authorities combat narcotics by reporting suspicious activities. Let’s make Tripura safer together!