Tripura’s War on Drugs: Marijuana cultivation in forest lands destroyed

Several hectares of forest lands have been freed from marijuana cultivation in Tripura in the past few days

Tripura’s War on Drugs has only intensified with every passing day but it has surprisingly come to light during these operations that several hectares of forest lands were used for marijuana cultivation.

But with the renewed efforts to deal with the situation, the Tripura Police, BSF, CRPF, Forest as well as the Excise department have been able to make a considerable breakthrough so far.

As part of the ongoing efforts to wipe out the drugs menace, separate operations were carried out across various locations in the state today.

Approximately 40,000 to 45,000 marijuana plants were destroyed in 14 jungle plots at the Arakata area under Sidhai police station in West Tripura district. The Tripura Police in collaboration with BSF, CRPF, Narcotics Control Bureau, and officials of the forest department were present in the simultaneous drives.

Around 18,000 marijuana plants in the general area of Hataliya under PR Bari police station in South Tripura district were destroyed. This was done through cutting, uprooting, and burning of the plants which cleared approximately 4.5 acres of land.

Bijoy Sen, the officer in charge of Sidhai police station said, “We destroyed marijuna cultivation in at least 14 plots which were inside the jungle. Around 40,000 to 45,000 marijuana plants were destroyed.”

In one of the massive destruction of marijuan cultivation so far in Tripura, 2,98,500 such plantations were destroyed in Sepahijala district, which was spread over 149.25 acres of forest lands. This was done yesterday (Saturday).

#Nesha Mukht Tripura@Tripura_Police @tripura_cmo pic.twitter.com/EYpO3T4JmJ

— Sepahijala District Police (@Spsepahijala) December 16, 2023

On December 11, 1,33,000 marijuana plants spread across 43 plots and 36 acres (approx) of forest land was cleared in Sepahijala district.

#Nesha Mukht Tripura@Tripura_Police @tripura_cmo pic.twitter.com/FAH9VhJ0E7

— Sepahijala District Police (@Spsepahijala) December 11, 2023

A total of 40,000 marijuana plants spread across 20 acres approx forest land were destroyed at Sibnagar Taxapara areas in Sepahijala district on December 12.

MLG PS staff, Addl SP SPJ, CRPF 140 BN men & forest officials conducted ganja plants destruction at Sibnagar Taxapara areas under MLG PS. During the said operation total 40,000 plants spread across 20 acres approx khas and forest land were destroyed.@Tripura_Police @tripura_cmo pic.twitter.com/vdPQOLAmQJ

— Sepahijala District Police (@Spsepahijala) December 12, 2023

But during this all out war on drugs, at least four Tripura police personnel were injured and several police vehicles damaged when they came under attack while returning after an operation destroying thousands of cannabis plants.

The police were attacked with bricks and stones by a group of people in West Tripura on November 15.
Earlier, in October Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha had urged the state’s youth to declare a war on drugs saying it has already taken a serious toll among students and young people.

Read also: 4 Tripura cops injured in attack after cannabis plantation destroyed in West Tripura

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