On Thursday, January 29, security forces in Tripura reaffirmed their commitment to creating a 'drug-free state' by launching a significant operation that disrupted illegal drug networks. They completely eradicated cannabis cultivation valued at approximately ₹27 crores in the protected forest areas of the Sonamura subdivision. Acting on intelligence, a joint team of security personnel conducted extensive searches from 7:45 AM to 5:00 PM in the forest regions of Kamla Nagar, Krishnodola, Dulunga, and Vijay Nagar. This operation marks the second major action in recent weeks in Tripura, following a large-scale operation in the Kalamchoura area of Sipahijala district.

The coordinated raids targeted forest areas based on precise intelligence, with operations running from 7:45 AM to 5:00 PM. The team uncovered and destroyed 41 cannabis plots spread over approximately 65 acres, uprooting around 180,000 mature plants on-site. Officials estimated the market value of the destroyed crop at ₹27 crores, delivering a significant blow to the illegal networks exploiting forest resources.

This operation involved collaboration between the Sonamura police station and specialized units, including the 81st Battalion of the BSF, the 5th, 9th, 11th, and 14th Battalions of the TSR, the 14th Battalion of the Women’s TSR, and the 35th Battalion of the Assam Rifles, along with supporting agencies. This seamless cooperation ensured comprehensive coverage, preventing any escape or evidence concealment during the extensive search.

Just weeks prior, forces conducted another major raid in the Kalamchoura area of Sipahijala district, where they destroyed 1.9 million immature cannabis plants spread over 650 acres, valued at ₹100 crores. That operation, which took place on a Saturday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, involved areas in North and South Kalamchoura and Anandpur Ghatigarh, led by the BSF commander (81st and 42nd Battalions), local police, TSR units, forest officials, and excise teams.

These ongoing successes highlight Tripura's intensified campaign against drug-related activities, reclaiming vast forest areas from cultivators and signaling a zero-tolerance approach. Senior officials have described these actions as significant milestones, pledging continued joint operations to protect the ecology and dismantle drug supply chains throughout the region.