Tripura police seized 90,000 Yaba tablets worth over ₹1.25 crore from an auto-rickshaw in Agartala. Acting on a tip-off, the driver was intercepted after a chase. SP Namit Pathak praised police efforts, while locals also played a key role in the anti-narcotics operation.
In a major breakthrough in the fight against narcotics smuggling, police in West Tripura seized 90,000 Yaba tablets, with an estimated black-market value of around ₹1.25 crore, from an auto-rickshaw on the Agartala by-pass road. The operation, carried out on Thursday, led to the arrest of the driver, identified as Subir Sutradhar.
Briefing the media at Amtali Police Station, West Tripura’s newly appointed Superintendent of Police, Namit Pathak, described the seizure as a significant success in the district’s ongoing efforts to curb the illegal drug trade.
Tip-off Leads to Major Seizure
According to SP Pathak, the operation was launched following a tip-off regarding suspicious movement along the Agartala by-pass. Police officers stationed at the road signaled a three-wheeler to stop during a routine check. Instead of complying, the driver attempted to flee the scene.
“The auto-rickshaw was chased and intercepted near a roadside eatery (Dhaba). Upon searching the vehicle, police discovered packets containing a large quantity of Yaba tablets, cleverly concealed to avoid detection,” Pathak said.
He further informed that preliminary investigations suggest the contraband was being transported for distribution in different parts of the state. The involvement of a broader network of traffickers has not been ruled out.
Not the First Major Seizure
SP Pathak acknowledged that this was not the first large-scale drug seizure under the jurisdiction of the Amtali Police Station. “Our police personnel are consistently active in patrolling and conducting intelligence-based operations. Such recoveries show our firm resolve to dismantle the networks of drug smugglers operating in Tripura,” he said.
He also praised the dedication and alertness of the Amtali police team. “This seizure sends a strong message to those involved in narcotics trade that the law will catch up with them,” the SP added.
Role of Locals in the Operation
While police credited their team for the interception, local sources claimed that area residents played a key role in nabbing the suspect. According to eyewitnesses, it was locals who first noticed the auto-rickshaw moving suspiciously and managed to stop it before alerting the police.
One resident, speaking anonymously, said, “We have been noticing unusual vehicle movement in this area for the past few days. When we saw the driver trying to speed away, some of us blocked his path and then informed the police.”
Yaba — The Dangerous ‘Madness Drug’
Yaba, a synthetic stimulant containing methamphetamine and caffeine, is notorious in Southeast Asia for its addictive and destructive effects. In Tripura, which shares a long border with Bangladesh, Yaba smuggling has been a growing concern for law enforcement agencies. The tablets are often trafficked across borders and transported to other Indian states.
Experts warn that the drug can cause severe mental and physical health issues, including hallucinations, aggressive behavior, and long-term neurological damage. Its relatively low production cost and high street value make it an attractive option for traffickers.
Ongoing Investigation
Following the arrest, the accused has been taken into custody and charged under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Police have initiated further investigation to trace the source of the tablets and identify other members of the smuggling network.
SP Pathak said that the West Tripura Police are committed to intensifying surveillance, particularly on highways and border areas, to prevent the inflow of narcotics. “We are working closely with other agencies and neighboring states to strengthen the information network and crack down on interstate trafficking,” he added.
Public Support Vital in Anti-Drug Campaign
Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities in their neighborhoods. “Community participation is crucial in combating the drug menace. The cooperation between police and locals, as seen in this case, is an example of how we can collectively safeguard our society,” SP Pathak emphasized.
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The successful seizure of 90,000 Yaba tablets marks another milestone in Tripura’s fight against drug smuggling, underscoring both the persistence of traffickers and the determination of law enforcement to stop them.
