NE to be Made Drug-Free by 2022: Tripura CM

Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb said that the Northeastwould be made a drug-free society by 2022.

Deb, while addressing the newly elected members of the 3-tier gram panchayats of the state said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had announced in the North Eastern Council (NEC) meeting that the Northeast would be made a drug-free society by 2022 when India celebrates its 75^th Independence Day.

Deb said that the drug mafia, traders and smugglers ofneighbouring countries who are responsible for bringing various drugs into theNortheast would be dealt with the help of Interpol.

Deb further stated that Amit Shah had declared a war against drug menace in the reason which is rising at an alarming rate. He also asked all the chief secretaries and DGPs to act accordingly to curb the menace.

According to a report, security agencies including the Border Security Force, Narcotics Control Bureau, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence and Customs have seized drugs worth more than Rs.600 crore in the region during the past one year.

The report also says that under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, over 300 drug smugglers and carriers have been arrested.

Deb said that if anyone is found to be involved in the drugmenace and smuggling, irrespective of his party affiliation and officialposition, toughest action will be taken against them.