Assam Rifles seized methamphetamine tablets worth ₹21 crore in Mizoram, arresting two traffickers in Aizawl. Officials suspect the drugs were smuggled from Myanmar through porous borders. Mizoram CM Lalduhoma called drug abuse the state’s biggest threat, urging collective efforts as the government forms a Mizo Territorial Army to combat trafficking.
In a major crackdown against cross-border drug trafficking, the Assam Rifles on Friday seized methamphetamine tablets valued at a staggering ₹21 crore in Mizoram. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the para-military force conducted a joint operation with the Special Narcotics Police Station and intercepted a vehicle carrying the illicit consignment in the Zemabawk South area of Aizawl district.
During the operation, officials thoroughly searched the vehicle and discovered around 7 kilograms of methamphetamine tablets, commonly known as ‘ice’, ‘crystal meth’, or ‘Yaba’. These highly addictive and dangerous substances have been a growing concern for law enforcement agencies due to their devastating impact on communities and individuals. Along with the drugs, two suspected traffickers traveling in the vehicle were apprehended.
A Defence spokesperson confirmed that the seized narcotics, the arrested individuals, and the intercepted vehicle have all been handed over to the Special Narcotics Police Station in Aizawl for further investigation and legal action. The operation once again highlights the persistent challenge of drug trafficking in the Northeast region, particularly along Mizoram’s unfenced international border with Myanmar.
Myanmar Connection and Drug Routes
Preliminary investigations suggest that the consignment originated from Myanmar, one of the world’s largest producers of synthetic drugs, and was likely intended for transport to other Indian states or international destinations. Officials have long expressed concern that Mizoram, due to its geographical position, is increasingly becoming a critical transit point for narcotics smuggled into India from the Golden Triangle region — an area notorious for drug trafficking, encompassing Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand.
Mizoram alone shares 510 kilometers of porous and unfenced borders with Myanmar across six districts — Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip. These border regions have emerged as hotspots for smuggling not only drugs but also contraband items such as exotic animals. Similarly, Manipur, which shares 398 kilometers of border with Myanmar, is another major route exploited by traffickers to push narcotics into India.
Growing Drug Menace in Mizoram
Methamphetamine, often marketed under names like ‘party tablets’ or ‘Yaba’, has become a popular but dangerous stimulant drug among abusers. Its addictive nature leads to severe physical and psychological damage, fueling rising concerns about public health and safety.
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma recently underscored the gravity of the issue, describing drug abuse as the biggest threat to the state. He stressed that Mizoram’s proximity to the Golden Triangle makes it vulnerable to the influx of narcotics. Lalduhoma also emphasized that combating drug abuse is not just a matter of law and order but a struggle for both physical and spiritual well-being.
He called for united efforts from law enforcement agencies, civil society, and the public to address the twin challenges of narcotics smuggling and drug addiction. The Chief Minister also linked drug abuse to the spread of HIV/AIDS, further underlining the far-reaching social and health consequences of the crisis.
Government and Security Measures
To strengthen its fight against trafficking, the Mizoram government has initiated the recruitment process for the formation of a Mizo Territorial Army (MTA) battalion. This new force is expected to bolster local capacity in tackling narcotics smuggling and maintaining law and order in sensitive regions along the international border.
The Assam Rifles, often referred to as the “Sentinels of the Northeast,” have been actively engaged in anti-drug operations for years, intercepting significant consignments of heroin, methamphetamine, and other narcotics trafficked through Mizoram and Manipur. The latest seizure worth ₹21 crore once again demonstrates the scale of the problem and the urgent need for coordinated national and regional strategies.
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The successful operation in Aizawl underscores the continued vigilance of India’s security forces in combating the narcotics trade. However, it also sheds light on the complex challenges posed by porous borders, international drug syndicates, and the rising domestic demand for addictive substances. With the government tightening enforcement and exploring new security mechanisms like the Mizo Territorial Army, Mizoram hopes to stem the tide of narcotics smuggling that threatens the health, safety, and stability of its people.
