Assam Rifles and DRI seized methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 8 crore in Tripura’s Khowai district and arrested one suspected trafficker. Officials suspect the narcotics consignment originated from Myanmar and was routed through Mizoram and southern Assam before entering Tripura.
A large consignment of methamphetamine tablets valued at around Rs 8 crore was seized during a joint anti-narcotics operation carried out by the paramilitary forces and intelligence officials in Tripura on Saturday. One suspected drug trafficker was arrested in connection with the seizure, officials confirmed.
According to security officials, the operation was conducted jointly by the Assam Rifles and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence following specific intelligence inputs regarding the movement of narcotic substances through the region. The operation took place in the Mungiakami area of Khowai district, where authorities intercepted a Mahindra pick-up vehicle suspected of transporting illegal drugs.
During the search operation, security personnel recovered nearly one lakh methamphetamine tablets, commonly referred to as Yaba tablets. Officials estimated the market value of the seized narcotics at approximately Rs 8 crore, making it one of the major drug seizures reported in Tripura in recent months.
The arrested individual was identified as Kauchar Hussain, aged 28, a resident of Jatan Bari area in Gomati district of Tripura. Officials said the suspect was taken into custody at the spot and later handed over to the DRI along with the recovered contraband for further investigation and legal proceedings under the relevant provisions of narcotics laws.
In an official statement, authorities said the successful operation reflected the continued efforts of security and intelligence agencies to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating in the northeastern region. Officials added that coordinated operations between law enforcement agencies have become increasingly important in controlling the flow of narcotics across international borders.
Investigators suspect that the seized methamphetamine tablets originated in Myanmar and were transported through Mizoram and southern Assam before entering Tripura. Authorities believe the consignment was intended to be smuggled further into neighbouring Bangladesh through illegal cross-border routes frequently used by trafficking syndicates.
Security experts have repeatedly expressed concern over the growing use of northeastern states as transit corridors for narcotics smuggling due to their porous international borders and difficult terrain. Mizoram shares a long unfenced border with Myanmar and a porous border with Bangladesh, making several districts vulnerable to cross-border criminal activities, including narcotics trafficking.
Officials stated that illegal drug consignments are often moved through districts such as Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip in Mizoram before reaching neighbouring states. Tripura also remains highly sensitive to infiltration and smuggling activities because of its extensive international border with Bangladesh.
Methamphetamine tablets, popularly known as Yaba or “party tablets,” are among the most frequently trafficked synthetic drugs in the region. The tablets contain a dangerous combination of methamphetamine and caffeine and are banned in India because of their highly addictive and harmful nature. Law enforcement agencies have intensified surveillance and anti-smuggling operations in recent years as trafficking networks continue attempting to exploit vulnerable border regions for illegal trade.
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Officials said the investigation is continuing to identify other individuals and networks linked to the seized narcotics consignment.
