Agartala, March 23, 2026: Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on Monday stated that the state government is committed to taking stringent action against drug trafficking and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice while responding to queries raised by Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman in the Assembly.
The Chief Minister informed that over the last three calendar years, charge sheets have been filed against 2,979 accused persons in narcotics-related cases, while 14 final reports have also been submitted.
Providing a year-wise breakdown, Dr. Saha said that in 2023, judicial proceedings were completed for 219 accused persons, out of which 16 were convicted. The punishments ranged from rigorous imprisonment (RI) of 15 years for two persons and 10 years for four persons, to shorter-term sentences including simple imprisonment of up to six months with fines for seven individuals.
In 2024, the number of concluded cases rose significantly, with 525 accused persons completing trial. Of them, 23 were convicted. “The courts awarded punishments including RI of 15 years to two persons and 10 years to three persons, while several others received lesser sentences, including simple imprisonment with fines,” the Chief Minister stated.
Highlighting further progress, Dr. Saha said that in 2025, judicial processes were completed for 375 accused persons, with a notable rise in convictions to 60. “Punishments included rigorous imprisonment up to 20 years, along with multiple cases of 10 to 12 years’ imprisonment, reflecting stricter enforcement and improved prosecution,” he added.
The Chief Minister also pointed out that the state has actively pursued appeals in higher courts. In 2024, two appeals against acquittals were allowed by the High Court and remanded to the Special NDPS Court in Sepahijala for fresh trial. Similarly, in 2025, 21 such appeals were allowed and sent back for retrial.
Emphasizing the government’s strategy to curb drug trafficking, Dr. Saha said an Anti-Narcotics Task Force has been constituted with experienced officers who have undergone specialized training. “As part of preventive measures, investigating officers are regularly trained on various aspects of narcotics control to strengthen enforcement and ensure effective prosecution,” he said.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, the Chief Minister asserted that strict legal action and continuous capacity-building of law enforcement agencies remain key to combating the drug menace in the state.
