ED files three PMLA prosecution complaints in Tripura against 14 accused in major narcotics trafficking crackdown. Investigation reveals inter-state drug networks, illegal proceeds, and property attachments worth ₹6.85 crore, marking a strong enforcement action against organized crime.
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has filed three prosecution complaints under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in Tripura. The complaints were submitted before the Special Court (PMLA) in West Tripura, Agartala, against a total of 14 accused individuals allegedly involved in large-scale drug trafficking and money laundering operations.
According to an official statement, all three prosecution complaints are linked to scheduled offences under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act), 1985. These cases pertain to the laundering of proceeds generated from systematic trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances across the state and beyond.
Case One: Codeine Syrup Trafficking Network
The first case revolves around accused Litan Saha and his associates. The investigation was initiated based on an FIR registered by Tripura Police at Jirania Police Station under relevant sections of the NDPS Act. A chargesheet had already been filed before the Special Court in Sonamura in May 2024.
ED investigations revealed that Litan Saha was actively engaged in the illegal transportation and distribution of codeine-based cough syrups, including the widely abused Eskuf. Authorities had earlier seized 9,590 bottles of such syrups during enforcement operations.
The accused allegedly used his logistics firm, M/s Swastik Roadways, as a front to transport illegal consignments. Further financial investigation revealed that he routed proceeds of crime through multiple bank accounts under the guise of legitimate transport business transactions.
Case Two: Inter-State Drug Syndicate
The second prosecution complaint targets Debabrata Dey and his network, including Apu Ranjan Das. The ED initiated its probe based on two separate FIRs registered by Tripura Police in 2018 and 2021, involving massive seizures of 1,352 kg of dry ganja and 14,400 bottles of Phensedyl cough syrup.
Investigations uncovered that the accused were habitual offenders running an organized inter-state trafficking syndicate, transporting ganja and other substances from Tripura to states such as Bihar. The network operated with a high level of coordination, indicating a structured criminal enterprise.
A key development in the case was the involvement of Dhruba Majumder, a serving police officer. He allegedly played a crucial role in the conspiracy and invested illicit proceeds into immovable assets registered in his wife’s name. The ED has since attached several such properties as part of its enforcement action.
Case Three: Large-Scale Ganja Trafficking Ring
The third case focuses on Bishu Kumar Tripura, identified as the principal kingpin of a large inter-state ganja trafficking network operational since 2015. The investigation was triggered by multiple FIRs filed between 2020 and 2025, involving seizures of over 3,600 kg of ganja across different police stations in Tripura.
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According to ED findings, Bishu Kumar Tripura operated the network in partnership with Kamini Debbarma. Both accused reportedly admitted their involvement and disclosed details of their operations.
The investigation revealed a complex money laundering mechanism involving multiple bank accounts, including those of family members and associates. The accused also used mule accounts, hawala channels, and invested illicit funds into businesses such as brick manufacturing units, alongside acquiring immovable properties.
Another accused, Bikash Debbarma, admitted to facilitating the laundering process by allowing his bank accounts to be used for routing illegal funds.
Assets Worth ₹6.85 Crore Attached
Across all three cases, the ED has taken substantial action by freezing, seizing, and provisionally attaching movable and immovable properties worth approximately ₹6.85 crore. These assets have been identified as proceeds of crime generated through drug trafficking operations.
The enforcement agency emphasized that investigations are ongoing, and further legal actions may follow as more evidence emerges. The filing of prosecution complaints marks a critical step toward securing convictions and dismantling organized drug networks in the region.
A Strong Message Against Drug Trafficking
This development is seen as a major boost to anti-narcotics efforts in Tripura. The coordinated actions between the ED and state police underline the government’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and financial crimes.
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Officials believe that targeting the financial backbone of such criminal networks through the PMLA will have a long-term deterrent effect. The cases highlight the evolving nature of drug trafficking, where illicit trade is closely intertwined with complex money laundering operations.
