Assam Rifles seize drugs worth over Rs 18.33 crore, recover Myanmar currency, and arrest seven traffickers in Mizoram and Manipur. Massive anti-narcotics operations highlight intensified action against cross-border drug smuggling in Northeast India.
In a series of coordinated anti-narcotics operations across two northeastern states, Assam Rifles and other law-enforcement agencies have seized drugs worth over Rs 18.33 crore, recovered a substantial quantity of Myanmar currency, and arrested seven drug peddlers in Mizoram and Manipur. Officials said the operations were carried out on Wednesday based on credible intelligence inputs, highlighting intensified efforts to curb cross-border drug trafficking in the region.
With these latest seizures, security agencies have confiscated narcotics and other contraband worth more than Rs 57.33 crore and arrested a total of ten drug traffickers across Assam, Mizoram, and Manipur within the past 24 hours. The developments underscore the growing scale of enforcement action against organized drug networks operating along India’s northeastern frontier.
According to a defence spokesperson, one of the key operations took place in the Diltlang area of Mizoram’s Champhai district, close to the India–Myanmar border. Acting on specific intelligence regarding the movement of narcotics, Assam Rifles personnel established a Mobile Vehicle Check Post in the area. During the operation, troops intercepted a suspicious two-wheeler. When challenged, both the rider and the pillion rider abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene.
A detailed search of the abandoned two-wheeler led to the recovery of 2.057 kilograms of heroin, estimated to be worth approximately Rs 15.42 crore in the international market. A mobile phone was also seized from the vehicle. Officials said efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the suspects who managed to escape.
In a separate operation in the same district, Assam Rifles personnel intercepted a Chinese-made Kenbo motorcycle at Tlangsam. Upon thorough checking, security forces recovered 87.6 grams of heroin, valued at around Rs 68.25 lakh. The narcotics were being transported by a drug peddler identified as Tlana. The accused, along with the seized drugs and the vehicle, was handed over to the Excise and Narcotics Department in Champhai for further investigation and legal proceedings.
Another significant operation was carried out in Mizoram’s Siaha district, where Assam Rifles intercepted two vehicles at Laki. A comprehensive search resulted in the recovery of Myanmar currency amounting to Kyat 34,607,000. Five individuals were apprehended in connection with the seizure. Of those detained, three are Myanmarese nationals, while two are Indian citizens. The seized foreign currency and the suspects were handed over to Tuipang Police Station for further legal action under relevant laws.
In Manipur, Assam Rifles, in coordination with the state police, conducted a successful anti-narcotics operation in the Maram area of Senapati district. During the operation, security forces apprehended one individual and recovered 268 grams of brown sugar. Officials estimated the international market value of the seized contraband at approximately Rs 53.60 lakh. Authorities described the recovery as a significant breakthrough against drug trafficking networks operating in the hill districts.
In another enforcement action in Manipur, Assam Rifles seized a large consignment of illegally transported areca nuts during an operation along a state highway in Noney district. Acting on specific intelligence, troops stopped and searched vehicles suspected of carrying contraband. The operation led to the seizure of 560 bags of areca nuts, each weighing 100 kilograms, totaling 56,000 kilograms. The estimated market value of the seized consignment is around Rs 1.7 crore. The seized goods were handed over to the Divisional Forest Officer of Noney district for further legal proceedings.
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Officials reiterated that Myanmar, which shares a 1,643-kilometre-long unfenced border with Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram, continues to serve as a major transit route for heroin, methamphetamine tablets, and other illicit goods entering India. Security agencies said intensified surveillance, intelligence-led operations, and coordination among forces remain critical to tackling the persistent threat of cross-border drug trafficking.
The Assam Rifles stated that these operations reflect their unwavering commitment to securing the border, dismantling drug networks, and working toward a safer, drug-free society in the northeastern region.
