Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has launched an aggressive Tripura cannabis crackdown using drone technology. The initiative aims to detect and destroy cannabis plantations hidden in forested regions, especially in areas previously difficult to monitor through ground operations.
The CM chaired a high-level meeting with senior officials from the Home Department, forest division, and the police on July 22. During the meeting, he emphasized the need to integrate modern technology to ensure faster identification and complete eradication of cannabis crops across the state.
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Drone Surveillance to Strengthen Anti-Cannabis Campaign
To increase the efficiency of the Tripura cannabis crackdown, the government has introduced drone surveillance in known cultivation hotspots. These drones will cover wide forest stretches, riverbanks, and hills, capturing real-time aerial images of suspected plantations.
Unlike traditional raids that depend heavily on manual searches, drones allow law enforcement to reach inaccessible areas. As a result, they can now map cannabis farms hidden deep within dense forests.
Moreover, technical experts from the science and technology department will assist local police and forest officers during drone operations. This inter-departmental collaboration is expected to speed up detection and response time.
CM Saha’s Directive to Departments
Dr. Saha issued a clear message: eliminate illegal cannabis cultivation without delay. He instructed all departments to coordinate and ensure consistent field activity. Additionally, he demanded weekly reports from district magistrates outlining progress and actions taken.
He stated, “We will not tolerate drug-linked activities on our soil. Immediate and strong action is required to stop this before it spreads further.”
His instructions reflect the government’s growing concern about Tripura’s use as a corridor for narcotics smuggling.
Cannabis Farming: A Persistent Threat
Although authorities have destroyed thousands of cannabis plants in past drives, farmers continue to plant new crops. These cultivations often go unnoticed due to the state’s challenging terrain and limited patrol resources.
The Tripura cannabis crackdown now prioritizes key districts like Sepahijala, Dhalai, and Khowai, where illegal cannabis growth is rampant. With improved surveillance, the state hopes to change the pattern of repeated replanting and smuggling.
In recent years, cannabis from Tripura has reportedly been smuggled into neighbouring states and even Myanmar. This network has grown, fueling other forms of crime, including gun-running and human trafficking.
Role of Local Communities in Crackdown
Community support is vital for the success of this campaign. Hence, the Chief Minister urged village leaders, panchayat members, and local NGOs to assist law enforcement.
They can help by identifying suspicious activities such as large-scale land clearing or unusual farming practices in remote villages. In return, the administration will guarantee their protection and even consider reward-based systems for valuable tips.
Furthermore, awareness drives will be launched in rural areas to inform farmers about the legal consequences of cannabis farming. These drives will also promote safe and legal alternatives.
Rehabilitation and Legal Options for Farmers
While taking a hard stand on drug cultivation, the state also plans to rehabilitate those willing to abandon the practice. The Agriculture Department has already begun surveying areas where illegal cannabis farms once existed.
In these places, officials will promote crops such as turmeric, ginger, pineapple, and medicinal herbs, which offer both market value and legality. The government may also offer subsidies, skill training, and market access to farmers who choose legal farming.
As a result, authorities expect a shift from illegal to sustainable cultivation in affected regions.
Legal Action Against Offenders
The Tripura cannabis crackdown will follow the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act) strictly. Anyone caught growing, storing, or transporting cannabis will face immediate arrest and prosecution.
Police officials confirmed that special task forces have been activated to carry out arrests, file chargesheets, and prevent bail misuse. Courts have also been directed to fast-track cases related to drug farming and smuggling.
So far, multiple FIRs have been filed this year alone, with several seizures made across rural Tripura.
Future of Tech-Enabled Surveillance in Tripura
Tripura’s use of drones for controlling narcotics-related crimes marks a turning point. If this strategy proves effective, the model may be replicated in other northeastern states facing similar issues.
Additionally, drone data will be stored, geotagged, and shared with law enforcement units for immediate field deployment. This approach ensures that responses are based on verified data, improving both speed and accuracy.
Officials also plan to combine drone footage with satellite data in the future, further expanding the state’s anti-drug intelligence system.
The Tripura cannabis crackdown demonstrates the state government’s commitment to eradicating illegal cultivation through modern tools and firm policy. With drones flying over remote fields and teams on the ground acting swiftly, Tripura is preparing for a new phase in its fight against narcotics.
Yet, this mission requires both law enforcement and public participation. Technology alone cannot solve this problem. Hence, by combining enforcement, awareness, and rehabilitation, Tripura hopes to eliminate cannabis farming and secure a drug-free future for its youth.
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