Agartala, Jan 8: A series of coordinated enforcement operations across the Northeast have dealt a significant blow to illegal narcotics cultivation and smuggling networks, with Assam Rifles playing a key role alongside multiple agencies. In Tripura, a large-scale joint operation led to the destruction of an extensive ganja plantation, while separate actions in Assam and Mizoram resulted in major seizures of counterfeit goods and synthetic drugs.
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, Assam Rifles personnel, in collaboration with the Border Security Force, Tripura Police, Tripura State Rifles and the Forest Department, carried out an operation in the Dhanpur, Induria, Kacchakhala and Dhanmura areas, located about 66 kilometres south of Agartala. During the drive, security forces uprooted and destroyed nearly six lakh young ganja plants spread across approximately 200 acres of land. Officials estimated the market value of the destroyed crop at around Rs 36 crore, describing the operation as a strong example of sustained inter-agency coordination aimed at curbing illegal cultivation and associated criminal activity.
In another joint action, Assam Rifles and the Customs Department recovered a large consignment of counterfeit cigarettes from a godown in Silchar. The seized goods, valued at about Rs 34 lakh, were allegedly being routed through the town for wider distribution within the state. Authorities said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to disrupt illegal trade and counterfeit supply chains operating in the region.
Earlier, a major narcotics seizure was made in Mizoram, where Assam Rifles, working alongside Mizoram Police, recovered over 11 kg of methamphetamine tablets near the Indo-Myanmar border. Acting on credible intelligence in the Kaifang area of Saitual district, the joint team detected suspicious movement and conducted a targeted search that led to the recovery of the drugs and a vehicle used for transportation. The seized contraband, valued at more than Rs 33 crore in the international market, was handed over to Mizoram Police for further investigation and legal proceedings.
