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Agartala
Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Drug-related arrests reach 2,677 & 1,636 NDPS cases in three years, says CM Dr Manik Saha

Date:

By TC News Desk

Agartala, 13th January 2025:   Responding to the alarming rise in drug abuse across the state, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating the narcotics menace. In a statement, Dr. Saha said, “The fight against drugs is not just a law enforcement issue, but a societal responsibility. The government is actively engaging multiple departments and agencies to curb the spread and usage of narcotics substances.”

The issue was brought to the fore through a notice submitted by MLAs Nirmal Biswas and Nayan Sarkar, highlighting the need for urgent government intervention under the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act. According to official data, 1,636 NDPS cases have been registered over the last three years (2022–2024), with 2,677 individuals arrested. The cases involve the confiscation of large amounts of illegal substances such as cannabis, heroin, cough syrup, and tablets.

The state police have made significant strides in intercepting and seizing illicit drugs. In 2024 alone, 2,39,067 kg of cannabis, 1,80,794 bottles of cough syrup, and 11,144 grams of heroin were seized. The estimated market value of the seized drugs was substantial. However, the Chief Minister acknowledged that eradicating drug abuse requires sustained efforts across multiple fronts, including enforcement, awareness, and rehabilitation.

Dr. Saha emphasized the critical role of inter-departmental collaboration in addressing the drug issue. “Departments such as Social Welfare, Home, Education, and Sports, along with the Narcotics Control Bureau, are working together under a structured plan to combat this challenge,” he stated. The government has also initiated awareness campaigns like Khelo Tripura, Sustha Tripura to engage youth in constructive activities and spread awareness about the consequences of drug abuse.

The state has introduced several measures to rehabilitate individuals affected by drug addiction. Facilities like Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) centers are operational, and plans are underway to expand the scope of Drug Treatment Clinics (DTCs) in district hospitals. “We are working to ensure that every affected individual has access to modern psychiatric and de-addiction facilities,” Dr. Saha added.

The government aims to strengthen its enforcement and rehabilitation initiatives further. “This is a fight for our future generations. With the collective efforts of law enforcement, social organizations, and the community, we can ensure a drug-free state,” Dr. Saha said.

Under the initiative of the National Health Mission Tripura, the “Nesha Mukt Tripura” campaign was launched in October 2022. The Tripura branch of the National Service Scheme (NSS) organized a mega awareness camp on drug addiction, involving students from a total of 22 general degree colleges in Tripura. To raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, counseling, and testing, the state has operationalized 24 Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTC), 133 Facility Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (FICTC), 3 PPP-ICTCs, and one Mobile Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre van.

As per the central government’s directives, various state-level activities, such as quiz competitions, band music competitions, and the “Red Run” marathon, are organized annually to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS among the youth.

According to the 2023 estimation report of the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), the total number of HIV-positive cases in the state was 7,707 in 2021, 8,943 in 2022, and 10,126 in 2023.

The same report indicates that the AIDS-related death rate in the state was 1.12 (per one lakh uninfected individuals) in 2021, 0.99 in 2022, and 1.08 in 2023.

The number of AIDS-related deaths in Tripura has fluctuated over the years. In 2015-16, there were 66 deaths, followed by a slight decrease to 65 in 2016-17. The figure returned to 66 in 2017-18 and increased to 76 in 2018-19. A decline was observed in 2019-20, with 69 deaths, while 2020-21 saw a rise to 74. The number dropped significantly to 52 in 2021-22. However, data for 2023-24 is not available.

Under the National Mental Health Program, Tripura has launched its first suicide helpline (9863100639) to provide regular support and awareness for individuals struggling with addiction. Additionally, the state has introduced other helplines, including TELE-MANAS helplines (14416/1800-891-4416) and the National Toll-Free Drug Addiction Helpline (14446), which offer counseling and awareness programs related to substance abuse.

Various government and private institutions, including the departments of education, home, social welfare, tribal welfare, sports and youth affairs, panchayat, urban development, industries and commerce, labor, and transport, have joined hands to implement anti-drug campaigns. Public participation has also been encouraged to amplify the impact of these initiatives.

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