Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Police’s relentless ‘War Against Drugs’ has delivered a massive blow to drug-related crimes, with sweeping crackdowns, major seizures, and hundreds of arrests, officials confirmed on Thursday.
Since 2019, the state police have registered 1,452 cases and arrested 2,619 individuals involved in drug-related offenses. Their efforts have resulted in the seizure of a staggering 18,600 kilograms of psychotropic substances, valued at approximately ₹75 crore. In a bid to curb production at its roots, authorities have also wiped out 56,654.69 acres of illicit opium poppy fields and 1,723.271 acres of cannabis cultivation.
The momentum intensified further with Operation Dawn, launched on November 8, 2023. In just a few months, this aggressive anti-narcotics drive has led to 354 new cases, the arrest of 534 suspects, and the confiscation of 9,557 kilograms of narcotic substances, worth an estimated ₹38 crore on the black market.
The data was presented during a Felicitation Ceremony organised by the Arunachal Pradesh Police (APP) to honour officers for their contributions to the state’s War Against Drugs.
State Home Minister Mama Natung, who attended the event, lauded the police force for their relentless efforts in ensuring the safety and security of the people.
“This fight will continue with full force! I salute our police force for their unwavering commitment to making Arunachal Pradesh a drug-free and crime-free state,” Natung said while addressing the personnel at the police headquarters in Itanagar.
Police personnel felicitated
Officers instrumental in two major cases—the Majibur Rahman Case and the Narcotics Encounter Case—were also felicitated on the day for their exemplary service.
Among those honoured for their role in the Majibur Rahman Case were Itanagar SDPO Kengo Dirchi, Itanagar Police Station officer-in-charge Inspector Khiksi Yangfo, Inspector Sushant Saurabh Jha, Sub-Inspector R K Jha, and Constables Sandeep Yadav and Sanu Raj T.
For their efforts in the Narcotics Encounter Case, Home Minister Natung feted SPDO Dirchi, IPS officers U Vibu Krishna and Vivek Maurya, Inspector Yangfo, Inspector Jha, Inspector Rina Sonam, Sub-Inspector Tamo Bakhang, Assistant Sub-Inspector Manish, Head Constable Bamin Tani, and Constables C Niling, Boru Pali, Jeni Wangpan, and Jayanta Baruah.
The minister also conferred the Home Minister’s Certificate of Excellence on several police personnel for outstanding service. The awardees included Naharlagun Police Station officer-in-charge Inspector Krishnendu Dev, Sub-Inspector Koj Tada from Banderdewa and Constable Sanu Raj T from Naharlagun Police Station.
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