Agartala, August 04, 2025: Tripura’s Transport and Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury on Sunday said that a section of anti-national elements is exploiting the international border to smuggle drugs into India, but the police have now been given full authority to act against drug syndicates.

Speaking at a public event, the Minister reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to a “zero tolerance” policy against drug trafficking and substance abuse. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha are all clear on one thing we don’t want a single youth to fall victim to drugs. Unfortunately, certain forces are using the international border as a corridor to harm our nation. But the government is taking decisive steps,” Chowdhury said.

He highlighted that the police and health departments are working in close coordination to tackle the menace and called on civil society to join the effort through awareness and community participation.

The Minister revealed that earlier, Tripura lacked drug rehabilitation facilities, but the current government is actively working to establish such centres across the state. “Previously, police were not empowered. Now, they’ve been given a free hand. Every day, narcotics are being seized and drug peddlers arrested. No one will be spared, this is the Chief Minister’s clear directive,” he added.

Chowdhury also highlighted the state government’s efforts in strengthening the health and education sectors. “There was a time when students had to leave the state for higher education or medical treatment. Today, the government is building necessary infrastructure to ensure those facilities are available here,” he said.