Police said the illegal cultivation was spread over nearly 32 acres of forest land, divided into around 25 separate plots. During the operation, security personnel uprooted and destroyed approximately 90,000 mature ganja plants. Sacks containing raw cannabis leaves and seeds were also recovered and burnt on the spot.
Inspector Tapas Das, Officer-in-Charge of Sonamura Police Station, who led the operation, said the drive was conducted jointly with TSR units.
“Today we conducted a joint ganja destruction operation from morning till evening in the forest areas of Mainama, Arolia and Powarmura. Nearly 32 acres of illegal cultivation were detected, consisting of about 25 plots. Around 90,000 mature ganja plants were destroyed. We also recovered raw cannabis leaves and seeds stored in bags, which were burnt. The estimated black market value is approximately ₹13 crore 5 lakh. The operation was conducted jointly by Sonamura PS, 11th Battalion TSR and 14th Battalion TSR. Such drives will continue in our jurisdiction,” he said.
Police officials said the action is part of an ongoing campaign to curb drug trafficking and illegal narcotics cultivation in Tripura’s border and forested regions, which are frequently exploited by smugglers.
Authorities added that further surveillance and similar destruction operations are expected in the coming days to dismantle the networks involved in illegal ganja plantations.