A massive joint operation in Tripura’s Sonamura destroyed over four lakh illegal cannabis plants across 55 acres. Police, BSF, TSR, and forest teams conducted a coordinated raid, demolishing 34 plots and delivering an estimated Rs. 8 crore blow to drug networks.
In a major crackdown on illegal narcotics cultivation, security forces in Tripura’s Sonamura subdivision carried out one of the largest cannabis destruction operations in recent years, uprooting more than four lakh ganja (cannabis) plants cultivated across vast stretches of government forest land. The extensive joint operation, conducted on Sunday, involved personnel from multiple law enforcement and paramilitary units and covered nearly 55 acres across four villages.
According to Tapas Das, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Sonamura Police Station, the six-hour-long anti-ganja drive targeted illegal plantations spread across Kamalnagar, Anandapur, Ghatigar, and Dulunga villages. Over the years, these remote forest belts had become hotspots for secret cannabis cultivation, often funded or controlled by organized networks taking advantage of the difficult terrain and limited public movement.
The OC confirmed that during the operation, security forces demolished 34 individual plots, ranging from small patches hidden between forest cover to large-scale agricultural beds meticulously maintained for commercial harvesting. “Based on the estimated market value of around Rs. 200 per plant, the destroyed cannabis plants amount to nearly Rs. 8 crore, making this one of the biggest narcotics eradication operations recorded in the region,” Das stated.
The operation was executed with coordinated precision and included teams from multiple units. Personnel from Sonamura Police Station—both male and female officers—jawans of the Border Security Force (BSF) from the 49 and 81 Battalions, and forces from the Tripura State Rifles (TSR) 5th, 7th, 11th, and 14th Battalions participated in the drive. The involvement of the forest department was equally significant, with staff and officials from the Sonamura Forest Range providing logistical assistance in navigating the dense terrain and identifying encroached areas.
Security forces had been monitoring the suspected locations for weeks after receiving intelligence inputs pointing to unusually frequent movement in certain forest belts. According to sources, the illegal growers had chosen the specific forest areas because of their distance from regular patrolling routes and the availability of fertile soil and concealed water sources. Some areas were cleared using sharp tools and fire in earlier stages, making it easier for cultivators to plant and expand their illegal cannabis crop.
During Sunday’s operation, teams moved into the forested regions before dawn, cordoning off large patches to prevent escape or resistance. Officers used cutting equipment, fire safety tools, and manual uprooting methods to ensure the complete destruction of plant roots so that regrowth would not occur. Throughout the drive, security personnel documented every step, as required under anti-narcotics enforcement guidelines.
OC Tapas Das emphasized that the operation sends a strong message to groups involved in illegal cultivation. “We want to make it absolutely clear that such activities will not be tolerated. Anyone involved in illegal ganja cultivation, supporting such networks, or attempting to obstruct official operations will face strict legal action,” he warned.
He also urged the public to cooperate with security forces and avoid circulating unverified information during sensitive operations. “There are attempts at times to spread misinformation to mislead people or undermine law enforcement efforts. We appeal to residents to trust official sources and refrain from sharing unverified claims,” he added.
Authorities indicate that this operation is part of a broader state-level campaign to eliminate illegal cannabis cultivation in Tripura. With rising concerns over narcotics trafficking and cross-border smuggling in the region, agencies have intensified efforts to identify and clear hidden plantations, many of which are believed to supply interstate and international drug channels.
Senior officials confirmed that similar large-scale operations are already planned for multiple locations. The Sonamura subdivision, located close to the India-Bangladesh border, has witnessed several such drives over the past few years, but Sunday’s operation stands out in terms of scale, coordination, and the economic blow dealt to drug networks.
As security forces continue to map and monitor vulnerable zones, officials underline that community participation and timely reporting are key to preventing such illegal activities from resurfacing. With the latest operation, authorities hope to not only curb narcotics cultivation but also restore the affected forest land to its natural ecological state in the coming months.
