By Firstdespatch Desk Oct 10, 2022
Agartala, October 10 (FD): Tripura, which waged war against use of drugs and the state’s BJP government wanted to make “Nasha mukta state” is now being used as a corridor for drug trafficking by the international drug mafias to neighbouring Bangladesh.
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha today expressed his concern as the state is being used as a "corridor" for drug trafficking from Myanmar to Bangladesh through north eastern states like Mizoram, Assam and Tripura.
Saha, who joined the 70th North Eastern Council (NEC) plenary meeting at Guwahati, said, " drugs being trafficked from Myanmar to Bangladesh through Mizoram, Assam and Tripura”.
Saha said Home Minister Amit Shah, who chaired the meeting, has made it clear that Indian soil wouldn't be allowed to be used for illicit drug trade to Bangladesh.
He said the state has zero tolerance to use of drugs and the BJP government after coming to power in 2018 had made largest seizures of cannabis.
Over 700 vehicles of drugs were seized and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to specifically probe into the drug menace.
He said coordination of different security agencies including central intelligence agencies like Narcotics Control Bureau, Enforcement Bureau, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence were being maintained.
Saha, who is also the home minister of the state said, he sought the central government to strengthen BSF, set up naka points at bordering areas of Assam and Mizoram since they are learnt to be used for drug smuggling.
He said security agencies were also conducting financial investigations, freezing of bank accounts, and seizure of property.
“The agencies have seized properties worth Rs. 6.5 crores and vehicles worth Rs. 200 crores recently. Government is adopting a host of tactics to combat the drug menace including awareness programmes, forming 'prahari groups' or special guard teams with students to combat drug abuse in schools, community policing initiatives in colleges, and awareness generation. FD JK