Assam Rifles seized heroin worth over Rs 20 crore in Mizoram’s Champhai district, foiling a cross-border smuggling attempt from Myanmar. The major haul highlights Mizoram’s intensified anti-drug campaign to combat trafficking and safeguard the state from narcotics-related threats.
In a major success against cross-border narcotics trafficking, Assam Rifles seized heroin valued at over Rs 20.10 crore in Mizoram’s Champhai district, officials confirmed on Wednesday. The operation is one of the largest drug seizures in recent months and highlights the state’s ongoing struggle against the narcotics menace that has plagued its borders for decades.
The Operation at Champhai District
According to a defence spokesperson, the operation was launched on Tuesday following specific intelligence regarding a trafficking attempt in the Thingluang Kai area along the Melbuk Road in Champhai district. The district shares a porous international border with Myanmar, making it a hotspot for illegal smuggling activities.
During the surveillance, troops spotted one suspect crossing the Tiau River, a natural border demarcation between the two countries, while another awaited on the opposite bank. The Assam Rifles personnel acted swiftly, moving in to intercept the smugglers. However, the suspects managed to escape back into Myanmar, abandoning their cargo in the process.
The security forces recovered 2.462 kilograms of heroin along with a vehicle used in the smuggling attempt. The confiscated contraband and vehicle were later handed over to the Zokhawthar Police Department for further investigation.
Part of Mizoram’s Wider Anti-Drug Campaign
This seizure comes at a crucial time when the Mizoram government is intensifying its war on drugs. On September 1, the state government launched a four-month-long special anti-drug campaign aimed at curbing the illegal trade. The operation will run until December 31, covering drug-affected towns, villages, and border areas across all 11 districts of Mizoram.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) H. Ramthlengliana stated that the campaign involves not only the police and security forces but also the active participation of local organizations, including the influential Young Mizo Association (YMA) and traditional village chiefs. “The coordinated action is intended to strike at the roots of the problem, eradicating both supply and demand,” the IGP noted.
Mizoram is the first state among the eight Northeastern states to initiate such a large-scale campaign against drugs, reflecting the seriousness of the issue in the region.
Why Mizoram Is Vulnerable
Mizoram’s vulnerability to drug trafficking stems largely from its geography. The state shares a 510-km-long unfenced border with Myanmar, running across six districts—Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip. These areas serve as transit routes for various illegal consignments, ranging from heroin and methamphetamine tablets to exotic wildlife.
Once smuggled into Mizoram, narcotics often find their way to other Indian states such as Assam and Tripura, and even across international borders into Bangladesh and beyond. The region’s proximity to the ‘Golden Triangle’—the infamous drug-producing region spanning Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand—further compounds the challenge.
Government’s Stand on Drug Menace
Chief Minister Lalduhoma has repeatedly emphasized that drug abuse poses the single greatest threat to Mizoram’s social and cultural fabric. He has called for collective action not only against drug smuggling but also against the resulting public health crises such as the spread of HIV/AIDS, which has deep links to intravenous drug use in the state.
Lalduhoma stressed that the fight against drugs is a matter of both physical survival and spiritual well-being for the people of Mizoram. As part of its long-term strategy, the state has initiated recruitment for a Mizo Territorial Army battalion to strengthen security measures against trafficking and law-and-order issues along the border.
A Continuing Challenge
The recent seizure worth over Rs 20 crore underscores both the scale of the problem and the determination of the authorities to confront it. While the smugglers managed to escape, the interception of such a large consignment prevented its circulation in India’s illegal drug market, dealing a significant blow to trafficking networks.
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Officials maintain that more such operations will follow as Mizoram intensifies its anti-narcotics drive. With the joint efforts of Assam Rifles, police forces, community organizations, and the state government, Mizoram hopes to gradually dismantle the networks that exploit its borders for illegal trade.
For now, the successful recovery of heroin in Champhai stands as a clear warning to traffickers that the state is stepping up its fight against drugs, determined to safeguard its people from the growing threat.
