In a sweeping anti-drug operation ahead of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (June 26), Tripura Police detained nearly 80 individuals from known narcotics hotspots in West Tripura district, including Gulbazar, Heritage Park, and Gwala Basti.
🚨 Coordinated Crackdown Targets Drug Abuse Zones
The operation, conducted on June 17, was part of a recurring de-addiction campaign led by the Superintendent of Police, Dr. Kiran Kumar K, IPS, in collaboration with the Traffic Department and officers from East and West Agartala Police Stations. The campaign is held four times a month and aims to curb rising drug abuse in urban pockets.
🧪 HIV-Positive Cases Raise Public Health Alarm
Authorities revealed that several detainees tested HIV positive, highlighting the public health risks associated with injectable drug use. Over 15 NGOs are now actively involved in providing HIV medication, counselling, and rehabilitation support to the affected individuals.
“We are making every effort to help them return to a healthier lifestyle and reintegrate into society,” said a campaign coordinator.
🧠 Community-Driven Approach to De-Addiction
The crackdown was initiated following repeated public complaints about drug consumption during evening hours. Officials emphasized that the initiative is not just punitive but also rehabilitative, with detainees being admitted to de-addiction centres for treatment.
📈 Long-Term Strategy to Combat Substance Abuse
Tripura’s anti-drug campaign is part of a broader strategy to eliminate the roots of narcotics abuse, especially among youth. The state has witnessed a surge in injectable drug-related HIV cases, with over 800 students testing positive in recent years.
