Agartala, June 25: Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Wednesday flagged off a motorbike rally here at Agartala, organized to mark the International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, and said that the drug cartels are using the state as corridor. He said that the government is determined to combat the drug menace in the state.
Addressing the gathering in the event, Dr Saha said that the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards drug trafficking and is taking strict action against those involved in the illegal drug trade.
“Taking advantage of Tripura’s geographical location, drug traffickers have been using the state as a corridor, but the government is determined to combat this menace,” Dr Saha said, adding that state has decided to set up drug de-addiction centres in all the eight districts of the state to provide healing measures to the drug-addicted persons.
He emphasized the link between drug abuse and the spread of HIV/AIDS and urged everyone, especially students and guardians, to actively participate in the “Say No to Drugs” campaign. He also underlined the importance of drug awareness in schools and colleges.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary J K Sinha addressed the gathering and said that a helpline number 1933 and a QR code-based system have been developed in the state as part of the anti-drug campaign. Director General of Police Anurag noted that under the leadership of the Chief Minister, significant success has been achieved in the fight against drugs. He informed that 8.5 lakh cannabis plants have been destroyed this year alone.
