The Assam Rifles has intensified its crackdown on illegal drugs and counterfeit trade across the Northeast, destroying large-scale ganja plantations and seizing contraband worth crores in coordinated operations. The developments have drawn attention in Guwahati, which serves as a key administrative and logistics hub for security forces operating across the region.
In one of the biggest actions, ganja plantations worth an estimated ₹36 crore were destroyed in Tripura, while separate operations led to the recovery of counterfeit cigarettes in Assam and high-value drugs in Mizoram.
Assam Rifles has destroyed illegal ganja plantations worth about ₹36 crore in Tripura, uprooting nearly six lakh plants across 200 acres. In separate operations across the Northeast, the force also seized counterfeit cigarettes in Assam and methamphetamine tablets in Mizoram, as part of intensified anti-drug and anti-smuggling drives.
Major Operation in Tripura
According to officials, Assam Rifles carried out a major operation in the Dhanpur, Induria, Kacchakhala and Dhanmura areas of Tripura, located around 66 km south of Agartala.
Acting on specific intelligence, the operation was conducted jointly with the Border Security Force, Tripura Police, Tripura State Rifles, and the Forest Department. Nearly six lakh young ganja plants spread over about 200 acres were uprooted and destroyed. The estimated market value of the destroyed crop is around ₹36 crore.
Assam Link: Counterfeit Cigarettes Seized in Silchar
In another action relevant to Assam, Assam Rifles, in coordination with the Customs Department, recovered counterfeit cigarettes worth approximately ₹34 lakh from a godown in Silchar.
Officials said the consignment was being routed through Silchar for further distribution within the state. Security agencies stated that regular joint drives are underway to identify and dismantle networks involved in counterfeit trade.
Drug Seizure Near Indo-Myanmar Border
Earlier, Assam Rifles also conducted a significant drug seizure operation in Mizoram. Acting on intelligence inputs near the Indo-Myanmar border, the force carried out a joint operation with Mizoram Police in the Kaifang area of Saitual district.
During the search, security personnel recovered 11.062 kg of methamphetamine tablets. Officials estimated the international market value of the seized drugs to be over ₹33 crore. The drugs and a vehicle used for transportation were later handed over to the Mizoram Police for further investigation and legal action.
Why This Matters for Guwahati
Guwahati functions as the strategic nerve centre for the coordination of security operations across Assam and the wider Northeast. Large seizures and destruction drives in neighbouring states often involve planning, intelligence sharing, and logistics routed through the city.
Officials said the recent operations underline a sustained push to curb narcotics trafficking and counterfeit goods that impact Assam’s markets and public safety.
What Happens Next
Security agencies said joint operations will continue across border areas and transit routes. Investigations are ongoing to trace supply chains and identify individuals involved in cultivation, transportation, and distribution.
Further arrests and seizures may follow as intelligence-led operations progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the ₹36 crore ganja plantation destroyed?
The ganja plantations were destroyed in the Dhanpur, Induria, Kacchakhala and Dhanmura areas of Tripura, around 66 km south of Agartala.
Were any seizures made in Assam during these operations?
Yes. Assam Rifles, along with the Customs Department, recovered counterfeit cigarettes worth about ₹34 lakh from a godown in Silchar.
