Agartala, April 12: In a major crackdown on narcotics trafficking, Assam Rifles and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized methamphetamine tablets valued at over Rs 16 crore in Tripura and arrested a suspected drug peddler, officials said on Sunday.
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the joint team intercepted a pick-up vehicle at Teliamura in Khowai district on Saturday night. During a thorough search, officials recovered approximately two lakh methamphetamine tablets, commonly known as Yaba. The operation marks a significant blow to drug trafficking networks operating in the region.
The arrested individual has been identified as Raju Deb (44), a resident of Jalilpur in West Tripura. He was taken into custody, and along with the seized contraband and vehicle, has been handed over to the DRI for further investigation and legal proceedings.
Officials believe the consignment was smuggled from Myanmar and routed through Mizoram and parts of southern Assam before being brought into Tripura. The drugs were reportedly intended for further smuggling into Bangladesh.
Security agencies have long flagged the northeastern region as vulnerable to cross-border trafficking due to porous and unfenced international borders. Mizoram shares a long border with Myanmar and Bangladesh, making it a key transit route for illegal goods. Similarly, Tripura’s extensive border with Bangladesh increases the risk of smuggling activities.
Methamphetamine tablets, often referred to as “Yaba” or the “crazy drug,” are highly addictive and banned in India. Authorities said the operation highlights continued efforts by security forces to curb drug trafficking and maintain regional security.
