By Firstdespatch Desk Jul 04, 2026
Agartala, July 4 (FD) Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Saturday reiterated the state government's uncompromising stand against narcotics, asserting that law enforcement agencies have been given a free hand to crack down on drug trafficking without any political interference.
Responding to queries from journalists over recent seizures of narcotics transported by train, the Chief Minister said the interception of large consignments demonstrated the effectiveness of the state's anti-drug operations rather than any failure in enforcement.
"The seizure of huge quantities of narcotics is a matter of satisfaction because it reflects the alertness of our police. No one is being spared, irrespective of who they are. We are implementing the Union Home Minister's zero-tolerance policy against drugs. At the same time, arrests can only be made on the basis of evidence and strictly in accordance with the law," Dr. Saha said.
He stated that several accused, including alleged drug kingpins, had been brought to Tripura from Delhi and other states and are currently in judicial custody. According to the Chief Minister, the government has deliberately refrained from interfering in investigations, allowing the police to function independently.
"Our police have complete operational freedom. Large consignments of narcotics worth crores of rupees are being seized and destroyed, making the illegal drug trade increasingly difficult and unprofitable," he added.
Announcing further measures to strengthen anti-smuggling operations, Dr. Saha said the state government would procure advanced scanner machines for border checkpoints despite their high cost. He said the technology would enable authorities to detect concealed narcotics in commercial vehicles without disrupting the movement of goods, in line with the Centre's Ease of Doing Business initiatives.
The Chief Minister observed that Tripura often serves as a transit corridor for narcotics originating in Myanmar, passing through Assam before being smuggled into Bangladesh, making enhanced surveillance critical to curbing cross-border trafficking.
On rural development, Dr. Saha welcomed the Centre's decision to enhance benefits under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). He said the daily wage rate had been increased to ₹300, while the guaranteed employment period had been extended from 100 to 125 days.
He added that the revised provisions, including stricter timelines for providing employment and penalties for delays, would strengthen the implementation of the rural employment scheme and contribute to the socio-economic development of Tripura. FD JK