In an innovative move to combat illegal cannabis cultivation, the Tripura police have deployed drone technology to detect and eradicate large-scale Ganja (cannabis) plantations across the state. Under the direction of Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, the state is utilizing advanced surveillance techniques to enhance its fight against drug-related offenses.
Drone-Assisted Detection of Cannabis Plantations
On Wednesday, police in Sepahijala district, covering areas under the Jatrapur and Bishalgarh police stations, successfully identified illegal cannabis plantations with the help of drones. The high-tech initiative has allowed law enforcement to uncover vast stretches of cannabis farms that were previously hidden within the region’s dense, hilly terrain.
According to police sources, once the drones detected the plantations, a large contingent of police officers and Tripura State Rifles (TSR) jawans, led by senior officials, rushed to the locations. During the operation, over 45,000 cannabis plants were destroyed in the Jatrapur area, while another 77,000 plants were eradicated from the Chelikhala area under Bishalgarh police jurisdiction.
Technological Advancements in Law Enforcement
The state government is taking this technology a step further by integrating multi-spectral cameras with drones. This upgraded equipment enables the detection of cannabis plants as short as three feet in height, providing a more comprehensive solution to detecting illicit cultivation across the state. The use of drones is also complemented by collaboration with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Google, who are helping with satellite imagery to map and track illegal plantations.
Addressing Challenges of Terrain and Border Areas
The Tripura police face considerable challenges due to the state’s hilly terrain and proximity to the Indo-Bangla border, which facilitates easier concealment of illegal activities. Initial investigations by drones uncovered not just isolated plants, but extensive plantations that were previously underestimated by local informers. This highlights the growing scale of the issue and the importance of using technology to provide more accurate intelligence.
“Drone surveillance has uncovered much larger plantations than initially anticipated,” said a top police official. “This operation marks a significant step in using technology for law enforcement, helping us efficiently address the issue of illegal cannabis cultivation.”
Commitment to a Drug-Free Society
The Tripura government’s efforts reflect its ongoing commitment to creating a drug-free society. By utilizing drones and modern surveillance techniques, law enforcement is now better equipped to identify and dismantle illicit cannabis operations in remote areas.
As the state continues to embrace high-tech solutions, it is setting a precedent for other regions in India seeking to curb the spread of illegal drug cultivation.
