Assam Rifles seized methamphetamine and heroin worth ₹113.36 crore and recovered 7,000 detonators in Mizoram in major anti-drugs operations. Three individuals were arrested near the India-Myanmar border. The seizures highlight rampant cross-border smuggling and rising narcotics threats in Northeast India.
In a massive blow to cross-border narcotics trafficking, the Assam Rifles, in coordination with other law enforcement agencies, conducted a series of successful anti-drug operations across Mizoram over the past 24 hours. These operations led to the seizure of methamphetamine tablets and heroin worth more than ₹113.36 crore, along with the recovery of 7,000 detonators. Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the seizures.
A defence spokesperson stated that the operations were carried out based on specific intelligence inputs regarding drug movement near Zokhawthar, a border town in Mizoram’s Champhai district that shares an open and unfenced boundary with Myanmar. The Area Domination Patrol (ADP) team of Assam Rifles observed two suspects carrying white rucksacks in the region.
Upon noticing the presence of the security personnel, the two individuals fled by jumping into the nearby river and managed to escape across the India-Myanmar border. Despite the suspects escaping, Assam Rifles recovered their rucksacks. Upon inspection, the rucksacks were found to contain 33 packets with a staggering 3,33,300 methamphetamine tablets, weighing approximately 37.476 kg. The total market value of the meth tablets, commonly known as “Yaba” or “party drugs,” is estimated at ₹112.401 crore.
Officials believe that the consignment was meant to be distributed in Champhai town and possibly intended for further transit to other parts of India. Methamphetamine, which has seen a surge in trafficking through the India-Myanmar border, is known for its highly addictive properties and severe impact on mental health.
In another major operation, Assam Rifles intercepted two individuals riding a Chinese Kenbo motorcycle after noticing suspicious activity. Upon conducting a search, 11 soap cases containing heroin were discovered. The total weight of the heroin was 128 grams, with an estimated market value of ₹96 lakh. The suspects were immediately taken into custody.
A third operation, conducted jointly by the Assam Rifles and the Mizoram Police in the Chanmari area of Aizawl district, led to the recovery of 7,000 detonators. The detonators were found in the possession of a local individual who had stored them in his residence. Authorities suspect that the explosive materials were intended either for illegal mining activities or for use in subversive operations, and further investigations are underway.
All recovered contraband, along with the arrested suspects, have been handed over to the local police for further legal action and detailed interrogation.
Mizoram has long been a vulnerable region for illegal cross-border activities, particularly due to its geographical location and porous international boundaries. The state shares a 510-kilometre unfenced border with Myanmar and a 318-kilometre border with Bangladesh. The six Mizoram districts of Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip are known transit points for smuggling activities.
Myanmar’s Chin state, which borders Mizoram, has emerged as a major hub for the production and trafficking of synthetic drugs and other contraband items. These include not only methamphetamine and heroin but also arms, exotic wildlife, and counterfeit products. The current political instability in Myanmar following the military coup in 2021 has further deteriorated law enforcement and border security on the Myanmar side, contributing to the rise in smuggling.
Security forces in Mizoram have intensified surveillance and counter-insurgency operations in the region to curb such cross-border crimes. The Assam Rifles, in particular, has been at the forefront of these efforts, frequently collaborating with state police and intelligence agencies.
This recent seizure underscores the seriousness of the situation and the importance of sustained intelligence-driven operations. Authorities believe that cracking down on these networks will require stronger coordination between Indian enforcement agencies and regional counterparts, particularly from Myanmar.
The defence spokesperson reaffirmed the commitment of the Assam Rifles and other security agencies in safeguarding the northeastern borders of India from such illegal and destructive trades. He added that these operations serve as a stern warning to drug traffickers and those involved in transnational criminal networks.
As investigations continue, further arrests and seizures are expected in the coming days. The Indian government is also reportedly reviewing its border security strategies and may increase the deployment of advanced surveillance technologies and patrolling units along vulnerable sections of the international boundary.
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With the successful operations carried out in Mizoram, the Assam Rifles have once again demonstrated their crucial role not just in national security, but in the fight against the growing drug menace threatening the youth and communities in India’s northeastern states.
