Tripura Police on Thursday arrested a woman from Sonarerbasa in the North District under the Dharmanagar sub-division, seizing a large quantity of Yaba tablets, a country-made pistol, and live ammunition. The arrest marks a significant step in the state’s ongoing campaign against narcotics and illegal arms.
Police Seize Drugs and Illegal Firearm
Acting on a tip-off, a police team led by North District Superintendent of Police Bhanupada Chakraborty conducted a raid in the remote Sonarerbasa area. The woman, identified as Rumi Das, was found in possession of over 1,000 Yaba tablets. Along with a pistol, and several rounds of live ammunition during a search of her premises.
“Yaba tablets are a dangerous blend of methamphetamine and caffeine and have been flooding Northeast India from across the border,” said an officer involved in the operation. “This seizure is part of our intensified surveillance along the Indo-Bangla border and strategic interior locations.”
Tripura’s Growing Challenge with Yaba Smuggling
The arrest has once again thrown light on the growing menace of Yaba smuggling in Tripura, particularly in areas bordering Bangladesh. According to data from the Tripura State Narcotics Control Bureau, the frequency of Yaba-related arrests has increased by over 40% in the last year alone.
North Tripura, due to its proximity to the international border, has become a vulnerable zone for drug smugglers who exploit porous routes and difficult terrain. The Yaba tablets, often produced in clandestine labs in neighboring countries, are smuggled across the border and distributed through local peddlers.
Interrogation Points to Cross-Border Nexus
According to police sources, Rumi Das has confessed to being part of a larger cross-border drug syndicate. Interrogation revealed that she was receiving consignments through intermediaries operating out of Bangladesh. And supplying them within North Tripura and adjoining areas.
“Preliminary questioning suggests she is not working alone. We believe a network is involved, and efforts are underway to trace other suspects,” said SP Chakraborty. The police are also coordinating with Tripura’s Anti-Narcotics Task Force and Border Security Force (BSF) to monitor the region more aggressively.
Security Agencies Step Up Vigil
The arrest has prompted a tightening of security along Tripura’s northern and western borders. With joint patrols by BSF and state police now being increased in drug-prone pockets. Checkpoints are also being reinforced on National Highway 8 and other key transport corridors.
This development comes close on the heels of other major seizures. Also, including a recent bust in Kumarghat, where a cache of heroin was recovered. As part of Tripura’s war on drugs, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has reiterated the state’s zero-tolerance policy against narcotics. Hence, urging law enforcement agencies to remain uncompromising in their mission.
Call for Public Cooperation
Authorities have appealed to citizens to assist in the fight against narcotics by sharing information and remaining alert. “Public participation is crucial. We urge everyone to report suspicious activities anonymously if needed,” said an official from the district police department.
The Tripura Police Anti-Narcotics Helpline (1800-345-3669) remains active for reporting any drug-related activities. Citizens are also encouraged to use the Tripura Police mobile app to submit tip-offs or complaints.
A Long Road Ahead
While the arrest and seizure in Sonarerbasa have dealt a significant blow to drug trafficking networks. So authorities caution that this is only a small part of a bigger puzzle. The state remains committed to strengthening inter-agency coordination, enhancing border intelligence, and expanding rehabilitation initiatives for addicts.
For more updates on Tripura’s anti-drug operations, readers can follow our ongoing coverage of North East India Crime News and check Tripura Police updates.