Security agencies seized around five lakh yaba tablets worth an estimated Rs 40 crore in North Tripura. Officials recovered the narcotics during a joint operation at Panisagar Naka.
North Tripura Police, Assam Rifles and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence conducted the operation. The agencies acted on information about a lorry allegedly carrying narcotics from Assam.
Police intercepted the vehicle at Panisagar Naka. They then searched the lorry in the presence of an Executive Magistrate.
The operation led to the recovery of approximately five lakh yaba tablets. Officials placed the total weight at around 50 kg. They estimated the market value at Rs 40 crore.
Lorry Driver Arrested
Police arrested the driver of the lorry during the operation. Authorities suspect that he transported the narcotic consignment.
Panisagar Sub-Divisional Police Officer Kishalay Sisodia provided details of the operation. He said officials received information that a truck carrying narcotics was travelling from Assam.
The joint team followed the vehicle and intercepted it at the Panisagar checkpoint. Officers then secured the area before conducting the search.
Police recovered the tablets from the vehicle. They subsequently brought in a Forensic Science Laboratory team to examine the seized substance.
The FSL team tested the material at the interception point. The examination confirmed that the tablets contained yaba, according to police.
Consignment Classified as Commercial Quantity
The recovered tablets weighed approximately 50 kg in total. Police estimated their market value at around Rs 40 crore.
Sisodia described the seizure as a large commercial quantity. The scale of the recovery has prompted authorities to investigate the wider network behind the consignment.
Investigators are expected to examine where the drugs originated and where the consignment was headed. They will also seek information about other people who may have been involved.
Officials have not yet disclosed further details about the suspected supply network.
The investigation could help authorities identify the source of the narcotics and their intended destination.
Vehicle Intercepted After Intelligence Input
The operation began after security agencies received information about the movement of narcotics.
According to police, the information indicated that a truck carrying drugs was coming from Assam. The joint team tracked the vehicle and intercepted it at Panisagar Naka.
Officials followed the required procedure before searching the lorry. They informed an Executive Magistrate and then carried out the vehicle inspection.
The search revealed the suspected narcotic consignment. Officers later called the FSL team to confirm the nature of the substance.
The coordinated operation brought together three agencies. North Tripura Police led the local enforcement effort with support from Assam Rifles and the DRI.
Assam Rifles and DRI Join Operation
The 8th Battalion of Assam Rifles participated in the operation. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence also supported the seizure.
The agencies worked with North Tripura Police to intercept the lorry and recover the suspected narcotics.
Police officials acknowledged the support of personnel involved in the operation. They also thanked the Panisagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge and North Tripura Superintendent of Police Avinash Rai.
The operation highlights the role of coordination among enforcement agencies in tackling drug trafficking routes in the Northeast.
Authorities often monitor these routes because traffickers can use the region’s road networks to move narcotics between states and across international borders.
Driver to Appear Before Court
Police will produce the arrested driver before a court on Thursday, according to the Panisagar SDPO.
The police are expected to seek remand for further interrogation. Investigators will question the accused about the origin and destination of the consignment.
They may also examine the route taken by the lorry and the circumstances surrounding the transportation of the tablets.
The investigation could lead authorities to other individuals connected with the consignment.
Police have not announced any additional arrests so far. The driver remains the only person arrested in the case at the time of reporting.
Tripura Steps Up Anti-Drug Enforcement
The seizure forms part of Tripura’s continuing efforts against narcotics. Police linked the operation to the state government’s Nasha Mukt Abhiyan, or Drug-Free Campaign.
The campaign focuses on tackling the movement and distribution of illegal drugs in the state.
Tripura shares an international border with Bangladesh. The state also connects with Assam and other northeastern states through important road routes.
These factors make drug trafficking a significant enforcement concern for security agencies.
The latest seizure adds to ongoing anti-narcotics operations in the region. Agencies continue to use intelligence inputs and joint operations to intercept suspected consignments.
Investigation to Focus on Drug Network
The recovery of five lakh tablets has triggered further investigation into the alleged trafficking network.
Officials will now examine the lorry, its route and the circumstances surrounding the transportation of the drugs.
Investigators are also likely to question the arrested driver about the people who allegedly arranged the consignment.
The estimated value of Rs 40 crore makes the seizure significant from an enforcement perspective. Authorities will therefore examine whether the consignment formed part of a larger trafficking operation.
Police have not yet revealed the names of any suspected suppliers or intended recipients.
Major Blow to Narcotics Trafficking
The seizure at Panisagar Naka represents a major recovery of suspected narcotics in Tripura. Around five lakh yaba tablets weighing 50 kg were seized during the operation.
The FSL confirmed the substance as yaba, while police arrested the lorry driver who allegedly transported the consignment.
North Tripura Police, Assam Rifles and the DRI are now continuing the investigation.
The next stage will focus on identifying the source of the drugs, tracing their intended route and establishing whether other people played a role.
The case also underlines the importance of coordinated enforcement across the Northeast. Authorities are expected to continue such operations as part of Tripura’s broader efforts to curb narcotics trafficking.