BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 22nd August 2025: Smuggling of illegal Burmese cigarettes through North Tripura has sparked growing concern, with residents alleging silent police complicity along the route. The corridor stretching from Mizoram via Damcherra, Panisagar, Tilthai and Anandabazar in Jubarajnagar to Kailashahar and Kumarghat is reportedly being used as a safe passage for contraband, including narcotics, betel nuts, and even cattle.
Despite multiple seizures 83 cartons worth Rs 35 lakh by Kailashahar police on July 11 and 39 cartons worth Rs 20 lakh in a BSF-police joint operation on August 6, locals claim truckloads of cartons slip through unchecked. Last night, Anandabazar police seized 17 cartons, but sources allege nearly 300 were trafficked with tacit support. Dharmanagar OC Mina Debbarma denied knowledge of the incident.
Residents warn the unchecked smuggling is endangering the state’s youth and have demanded tighter surveillance and accountability from higher authorities.
