Tripura Police and the Crime Branch destroyed over 59,000 bottles of banned Eskuf cough syrup worth Rs 1.25 crore, reinforcing the state’s anti-drug campaign. Officials highlight prevention efforts, youth awareness programs, and strict action under the NDPS Act.
In a major push to eliminate narcotics from the state, Tripura Police, in coordination with the Crime Branch, destroyed a huge consignment of banned cough syrup valued at Rs 1.25 crore on Wednesday. The action marks one of the largest drug destructions conducted in recent months, reinforcing the state’s commitment toward building a drug-free environment.
The consignment consisted of more than 59,000 bottles of Eskuf cough syrup, a formulation banned due to its widespread misuse as a narcotic substance. The stock was originally seized in July from Ambassa in Dhalai district, following specific intelligence inputs. Officials stated that the cough syrup was being smuggled for illegal consumption and trade, particularly targeting vulnerable youth.
The disposal was carried out under court orders and strictly supervised by the High-Level Drug Destruction Committee, ensuring complete transparency in the process. The destruction took place in an open space, allowing officials to verify that the contraband was entirely neutralized and could no longer pose a threat.
Inspector General of Crime Branch Avula Ramesh Reddy, IPS, who heads the committee, said that the case was initially registered at Ambassa Police Station. It was later transferred to the Crime Branch for a detailed investigation due to the scale and seriousness of the narcotics involved. “During the investigation, our teams recovered more than 59,000 bottles of Eskuf, which is a banned narcotic substance frequently abused by young people,” Reddy said.
He added that several other cases under the NDPS Act are currently under investigation, highlighting the increasing efforts by Tripura Police to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating within and beyond the state borders. “The value of the contraband destroyed today reflects the scale of the drug menace and the urgency with which we must act,” he stated.
The IG reiterated the Tripura Police’s commitment to creating a “Nesha Mukt Tripura” (drug-free Tripura), emphasizing that narcotics addiction has emerged as a major social concern. He noted that the involvement of young people in narcotics consumption or trafficking is particularly alarming, given the potential long-term consequences for their health, safety, and future.
Discussing preventive steps, Reddy highlighted the initiatives undertaken under the Prayas Abhiyan, an extensive awareness campaign led by Tripura Police. Under this program, officers regularly visit schools, colleges, and educational institutions to educate students about the dangers of drug abuse. These campaigns aim to reduce curiosity-driven experimentation among youth and encourage them to make informed, responsible decisions.
He urged citizens to remain alert and report any drug-related emergencies or suspicious activities immediately. “People can dial the toll-free emergency number 112 or share information about drug peddling through the 1933 helpline, including submitting details to the Narcotics Control Bureau,” he said. He stressed that public cooperation is crucial in breaking the supply chain and preventing the spread of narcotics among impressionable populations.
Reddy further warned that school-going children remain extremely vulnerable targets for drug traffickers. He called on parents, teachers, youth organizations, and government agencies to work together to ensure that young individuals remain safe, informed, and monitored. “Children are the most susceptible group in society, and it is our collective responsibility to safeguard them from the dangers of substance abuse,” he noted.
The IG also pointed out that Tripura follows strict anti-drug laws, and any involvement in narcotics-related activities can attract serious legal consequences. He urged the youth to stay away from drugs, highlighting that once individuals fall into addiction or trafficking networks, escaping becomes extremely difficult.
The large-scale destruction of the banned cough syrup serves not only as an important enforcement action but also as a powerful message to drug traffickers operating in the region. It reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen enforcement, raise public awareness, and reduce the availability of illegal substances.
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As Tripura intensifies its anti-narcotics drive, officials believe that sustained cooperation among law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, and the public will play a decisive role in achieving the long-term goal of eliminating drug abuse from the state.
