Assam Rifles and DRI seized heroin worth ₹5.85 crore in Assam’s Cachar district, arresting two traffickers from Manipur. The major anti-drug operation highlights growing cross-border smuggling through Myanmar’s unfenced borders in India’s Northeast.
Assam Rifles and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) jointly seized heroin worth ₹5.85 crore in Assam’s Cachar district, officials said on Friday. The coordinated operation marks yet another major success in the government’s ongoing war against drug smuggling networks active in India’s Northeast.
According to an official statement, the operation was conducted based on specific intelligence inputs regarding the movement of illicit narcotics through the Cachar region. Acting swiftly on the tip-off, a team from Assam Rifles, in coordination with DRI officials, intercepted a vehicle near Sonabarighat, a known transit route for contraband substances.
Upon thorough inspection, the team discovered a consignment of heroin concealed inside the vehicle. The seized narcotics have an estimated value of ₹5.85 crore in the international market. The officials also detained two individuals, both residents of Manipur’s Chandel district, who were found transporting the illegal drugs. The vehicle and two mobile phones used in the operation were confiscated for further investigation.
Cross-Border Link to Myanmar Smuggling Network
Cachar district, located in southern Assam, lies close to the state of Manipur, which shares a porous and unfenced international border with Myanmar. This geographical proximity has made the region a preferred corridor for drug traffickers operating from the notorious “Golden Triangle” — a global narcotics hotspot comprising Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand.
Officials said the heroin likely originated from Myanmar and was being transported through Manipur to be distributed across other Indian states. The two arrested suspects are believed to be part of a larger network involved in cross-border drug smuggling.
A defence spokesperson said, “Assam Rifles continues to play a pivotal role in combating the menace of narcotics in the Northeast. Through sustained and coordinated efforts with other enforcement agencies, we remain committed to dismantling trafficking networks and protecting youth from the perils of drug abuse.”
Rising Drug Menace in the Northeast
The seizure comes amid growing concerns over the increasing flow of narcotics from Myanmar into India’s northeastern states. Myanmar shares a 1,643-km-long unfenced border with four Indian states — Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh. These porous routes have become key transit points for smuggling heroin and methamphetamine tablets, popularly known as ‘Yaba’.
Officials highlight that six districts of Mizoram — Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip — share a 510-km border with Myanmar, while five districts of Manipur — Churachandpur, Tengnoupal, Chandel, Kamjong, and Ukhrul — share a 398-km border. These areas have witnessed frequent seizures of heroin, brown sugar, and synthetic drugs in recent years.
Experts warn that Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura, and southern Assam have effectively turned into major drug trafficking corridors, serving as conduits for narcotics entering from Myanmar and being smuggled into mainland India and beyond. The profits from these operations are often linked to organized crime networks and insurgent groups in the region.
Government and Enforcement Agencies Intensify Crackdown
The seizure in Cachar adds to a growing list of major drug busts in recent months as part of intensified anti-narcotics operations across the Northeast. The DRI, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Assam Rifles, and state police have been conducting joint raids to identify and eliminate trafficking routes.
In recent years, thousands of kilograms of narcotics — including heroin, brown sugar, opium, and meth tablets — have been seized from the region, underscoring the seriousness of the drug problem. The central government has also directed agencies to enhance border surveillance using advanced technologies such as drones, vehicle scanners, and night-vision equipment to detect illegal movement across the border.
The official statement further reiterated that the Assam Rifles, often dubbed the “Sentinels of the Northeast,” will continue to maintain strict vigilance and conduct intelligence-driven operations to prevent the smuggling of narcotics and arms through the Indo-Myanmar border.
Impact on Society and the Youth
Authorities have expressed deep concern over the social and health impact of drug abuse, particularly among the youth of the Northeast. The easy availability of narcotics has led to rising addiction rates in several districts of Manipur, Mizoram, and Assam. Local organizations and rehabilitation centres have urged for stronger coordination between law enforcement and community awareness initiatives.
The latest seizure, worth nearly ₹6 crore, not only disrupts a major trafficking chain but also serves as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability to cross-border smuggling activities. Security forces have pledged to continue their relentless efforts to ensure that the Northeast does not become a hub for narcotics trade.
Ongoing Investigation
Both the arrested suspects are currently under interrogation to uncover more details about the smuggling network and its connections to Myanmar-based suppliers. Investigators believe that the drugs were part of a larger consignment intended for markets in mainland India.
| Also Read: Manipur BJP MLAs United, Push for New Government Formation |
Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of further arrests as the probe continues. The case underscores the importance of coordinated intelligence sharing and inter-agency cooperation in tackling the complex challenge of cross-border drug trafficking in the Northeast.
