20 kg ganja seized at Agartala Railway Station has sparked a fresh crackdown on drug trafficking in Tripura.
Government Railway Police (GRP) officers discovered the huge stash during routine checks on Tuesday morning. Further, the consignment was left unclaimed near platform number two.
Unclaimed Bag Raises Suspicion
Passengers noticed a suspicious bag lying unattended.
Railway staff alerted the GRP.
A team rushed in and opened the bag. Inside, they found tightly packed bundles of dry ganja. Also, weighing machines confirmed the total weight as 20 kilograms.
Officials sealed the bag and sent it for forensic testing.
GRP Launches Investigation
GRP Inspector S. K. Jamatia confirmed that an investigation has begun.
He said the team is checking CCTV footage from the station. Moreover, officers are tracing passengers who arrived and departed during the time the bag was found.
Jamatia said, “We suspect the consignment was meant for smuggling outside the state.”
Possible Links to Recent Arrests
The seizure comes days after the arrest of three suspects involved in similar offences. Furthermore, police caught them with 15 kg of ganja near the Agartala railway tracks last week.
Investigators believe there may be links between the two cases. Also, a senior officer said drug cartels often use rail routes to transport narcotics due to less stringent checks.
Tripura’s Growing Drug Problem
Also, Tripura has become a key route for drug trafficking in the Northeast.
Law enforcement agencies have stepped up surveillance in recent months.
Large quantities of ganja, heroin, and also, synthetic drugs have been seized in operations statewide.
According to Tripura Police reports, drug arrests rose over 20% in the past year.
Railway Security Tightened
Railway officials said security measures are being tightened after the latest incident.
More checks will be carried out on incoming and outgoing trains.
Luggage scanners are in use at key stations, including Agartala.
Passengers were urged to report any suspicious bags or people immediately.
Ganja Often Smuggled Across States
Tripura Police said ganja grown in remote areas often ends up in other Indian states.
Traffickers pack the drug in plastic and cloth to avoid detection.
Sometimes the bags are left at railway stations for pickup by other smugglers.
This makes tracking the culprits difficult.
Public Urged to Remain Alert
Police have appealed to the public to remain vigilant.
S. K. Jamatia said, “People must inform the authorities if they spot suspicious activity.”
He added that cooperation from citizens is key in fighting the drug menace.
Local Reactions
The seizure shocked many locals.
Anita Dey, a regular commuter, said, “It’s scary to know drugs were lying at the station. I’m glad the police found it before someone took it away.”
Others praised the quick action by GRP officers.
GRP Vows More Crackdowns
GRP officers said more raids are planned in the coming weeks. Thereafter, they want to dismantle networks using railway stations as drug transit points.
Moreover, a senior official said, “We will ensure drug traffickers have no place to hide.”
Call for Stronger Laws
Some activists are calling for stricter laws against drug smuggling.
They say traffickers often get bail and return to crime. Lawyer Rajesh Sen said, “We need stronger punishment to stop this growing threat.” Henceforth, he urged lawmakers to bring in tougher rules.
The Road Ahead
However, 20 kg ganja seized at Agartala Railway Station has highlighted Tripura’s drug crisis once again. Lastly, Police are working fast to catch those responsible.
The public is urged to stay alert and cooperate with authorities. Furthermore, stay updated on further developments through Tripura Police’s official website.
Also, working together, the state hopes to keep its youth safe from drugs.