In a major crackdown on narcotics trafficking and money laundering, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Tripura has filed three prosecution In a major crackdown, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed three cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against 14 accused in Tripura. Authorities have attached assets worth ₹6.85 crore linked to drug trafficking.
Investigators uncovered networks dealing in ganja and codeine-based cough syrups. Moreover, the probe revealed inter-state smuggling links and financial laundering operations. The action highlights growing concerns over organized narcotics trade in the state.
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Key Facts
- Agency: Enforcement Directorate (ED), Agartala
- Cases Filed: 3 prosecution complaints
- Total Accused: 14 individuals
- Assets Attached: ₹6.85 crore
- Law Invoked: Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002
- Linked Law: Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985
- Major Seizures: Ganja, Eskuf, Phensedyl
- Court: Special Court (PMLA), West Tripura
Crackdown on Drug Money Networks
The Enforcement Directorate launched a strong crackdown on drug-linked financial crimes in Tripura. It filed three prosecution complaints before the Special Court in West Tripura.
Authorities also froze, seized, and attached assets worth ₹6.85 crore. These assets came directly from illegal drug trade operations. Furthermore, officials confirmed that all cases originated under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, strengthening the link between narcotics and money laundering.
Codeine Syrup Trafficking Network
In the first case, Tripura Police registered an FIR at Jirania Police Station against Litan Saha and others. Later, investigators uncovered a major trafficking network dealing in codeine-based cough syrups.
Officials seized 9,590 bottles of Eskuf during the operation. The accused used a logistics firm to transport the contraband. Meanwhile, they routed illegal earnings through multiple bank accounts to disguise the source of funds.
Inter-State Smuggling and Police Link
In the second case, police registered two FIRs involving large drug seizures. Authorities recovered 1,352 kg of ganja from North Tripura and 14,400 bottles of Phensedyl from Khowai.
Investigators found that Debabrata Dey and Apu Ranjan Das actively ran an inter-state smuggling network. They transported drugs to Bihar and other states. Additionally, the probe revealed the involvement of a serving police officer, Dhruba Majumder.
He allegedly invested illegal earnings in properties registered under his wife’s name. As a result, the ED attached several such assets during the investigation.
Long-Term Cannabis Network
In the third case, the ED examined multiple FIRs filed between 2020 and 2025. These cases involved repeated cannabis seizures across Tripura.
Investigators identified Bishu Kumar Tripura as a key accused in the network. He reportedly operated a long-term drug trafficking chain across several districts. Consequently, the case exposed a sustained pattern of illegal activity.
Ongoing Investigation and Findings
Officials stated that the investigation has revealed a deep-rooted nexus between drug trafficking and financial laundering. Moreover, the network extends beyond Tripura, connecting to other states.
The ED continues to track additional assets and suspects. Therefore, authorities expect more disclosures as the probe progresses.
Question–Answer Section
Q1: What action has the ED taken in Tripura?
The ED has filed three PMLA cases against 14 accused and attached ₹6.85 crore in assets.
Q2: What types of drugs were seized?
Authorities seized ganja and codeine-based cough syrups like Eskuf and Phensedyl.
Q3: Was any official involved in the case?
Yes, investigators found a serving police officer linked to the laundering network.
Q4: What does the investigation reveal?
It reveals a strong inter-state drug trafficking and money laundering network.
Q5: Is the investigation complete?
No, the ED is still investigating and tracking more assets and connections.
Location Context
Tripura lies in Northeast India and shares an international border with Bangladesh. Therefore, the region often faces challenges related to cross-border smuggling and illegal trade.and illegal trade activities.
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