In a major breakthrough in Tripura’s ongoing war against narcotics, the state’s Crime Branch has arrested two more individuals believed to be key players in a sprawling drug trafficking network. The arrests follow the earlier seizure of 102 kilograms of cannabis and a massive haul of 1,07,800 bottles of banned ESkuf cough syrup from a goods train at Jirania railway station. The total estimated value of the seized contraband exceeds ₹5.4 crore, making it one of the largest drug busts in the region’s recent history.
Arrests in Delhi and Kolkata Signal Wider Network
The two suspects—Arun Kumar Ghosh (58) and Himanshu Jha alias Sonu (32)—were apprehended in coordinated operations conducted in Delhi and Kolkata. According to Tripura Police officials, both individuals are believed to be kingpins in the illegal drug trade operating across northeastern India. Their arrest marks a significant escalation in the investigation, which has now expanded beyond Tripura’s borders.
The suspects are being brought to Agartala for further interrogation and legal proceedings. Authorities are hopeful that their custodial interrogation will reveal deeper links to suppliers, distributors, and financial backers of the drug syndicate.
Timeline of Key Events in Tripura Drug Case
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Oct 17, 2025 | 1,07,800 bottles of ESkuf cough syrup seized at Jirania railway station |
| Oct 18–25, 2025 | 102 kg cannabis seized in separate raids across Tripura |
| Nov 3, 2025 | Arun Kumar Ghosh and Himanshu Jha arrested in Delhi and Kolkata |
| Nov 4, 2025 | Suspects transported to Agartala for interrogation |
| Nov 5, 2025 | Tripura Police intensifies surveillance and border checks |
Breakdown of Seized Contraband
| Substance | Quantity | Estimated Value | Origin | Intended Destination |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESkuf Cough Syrup | 1,07,800 bottles | ₹4.5 crore | Delhi | Tripura |
| Cannabis | 102 kg | ₹90 lakh | Local cultivation | Inter-state transport |
Legal Framework and Charges
The arrested individuals face multiple charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, including Sections 21, 25, and 29, which pertain to possession, trafficking, and conspiracy. Additional charges under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for criminal conspiracy and abetment may also be applied.
Tripura Police has confirmed that the case will be handed over to the Anti-Narcotics Wing for deeper investigation, including financial audits and digital forensics to trace money laundering activities.
Political and Social Impact
The drug bust has triggered widespread political reactions, with opposition parties demanding accountability and transparency in the investigation. Chief Minister Manik Saha praised the police force for their swift action and reiterated his government’s commitment to eradicating drug networks from the state.
Civil society organizations have also stepped in, calling for rehabilitation programs for addicts and stricter monitoring of pharmaceutical distribution channels. The seizure of cough syrup—a commonly abused substance—has reignited debates about over-the-counter drug regulation and the role of pharmaceutical companies.
Comparative Analysis of Major Drug Seizures in Northeast India
| Year | State | Substance | Quantity | Arrests Made | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Tripura | Cannabis, ESkuf Syrup | 102 kg + 1,07,800 bottles | 4 | ₹5.4 crore |
| 2023 | Manipur | Heroin | 45 kg | 6 | ₹6 crore |
| 2022 | Assam | Methamphetamine | 30 kg | 3 | ₹4.2 crore |
| 2021 | Nagaland | Opium | 60 kg | 5 | ₹3.8 crore |
Enforcement Strategy and Future Measures
Tripura Police has announced a multi-pronged strategy to combat drug trafficking, including:
- Enhanced border surveillance with neighboring states and Bangladesh
- Deployment of sniffer dogs and mobile scanners at railway stations and bus terminals
- Digital tracking of pharmaceutical shipments to prevent diversion
- Community awareness programs to educate youth about drug abuse
The state government is also considering the formation of a dedicated Narcotics Intelligence Bureau to coordinate with central agencies like the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI).
Public Sentiment and Media Coverage
Local media has extensively covered the case, with headlines highlighting the scale of the seizure and the interstate nature of the arrests. Public sentiment remains supportive of the crackdown, though concerns persist about the ease with which banned substances are transported via public infrastructure.
Social media platforms have seen a surge in discussions around drug abuse, with hashtags like #TripuraDrugBust and #WarOnNarcotics trending regionally. Activists and influencers are using the momentum to push for policy reforms and better rehabilitation infrastructure.
Conclusion
The arrest of two more suspects in Tripura’s ₹5.4 crore drug trafficking case underscores the complexity and reach of narcotics networks in northeastern India. With cannabis and pharmaceutical abuse on the rise, the state’s law enforcement agencies face the dual challenge of interdiction and prevention. As the investigation unfolds, it is expected to reveal more layers of the syndicate and potentially lead to a nationwide crackdown on similar operations.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and official statements. The details are subject to change as investigations progress. The publisher does not endorse any claims or conclusions and advises readers to follow official channels for verified updates.
