In a major success against narcotics trafficking, Sonamura police station of Sepahijala district seized 355.5 kg of dry cannabis (Ganja) during a search operation in the Batadola forest area on Thursday. The contraband, estimated to be worth around Rs 1.77 crore in the illegal market, was found abandoned deep inside the forest following a raid based on specific intelligence inputs.
Police sources said that the operation was launched after officers received credible information about the presence of a large quantity of cannabis concealed in the forest. A police team immediately carried out an intensive search of the area and recovered several packets of dry cannabis lying abandoned. No arrests have been made so far.
The recovered cannabis weighed 355.5 kg and was seized in accordance with the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Police estimated the value of the seized contraband at approximately Rs 1,77,75,000 (Rs 1.77 crore).
Investigators suspect the consignment was intended to be smuggled to markets outside the state. The smugglers are believed to have abandoned the narcotics after sensing the movement of security personnel or fearing imminent detection.
Police have launched a detailed investigation to identify the owners of the seized contraband and trace the network involved in its transportation and distribution. Efforts are also underway to ascertain the source of the cannabis and whether the seizure is linked to any inter-state or cross-border smuggling syndicate.
The latest seizure adds to a series of successful anti-narcotics operations carried out by Tripura Police in recent months as part of the state's intensified drive against drug trafficking. Law enforcement agencies have stepped up surveillance and intelligence-based operations across vulnerable areas, particularly in border subdivisions, to dismantle narcotics networks and curb the illegal trade.
Officials said further investigation is in progress, and additional arrests are expected as the probe advances.