Security personnel in Mizoram and Assam have successfully seized highly addictive methamphetamine tablets valued at Rs 42 crore and arrested three drug peddlers, including two Myanmar nationals, within the past 24 hours, officials reported on Tuesday.
Massive Drug Haul in Mizoram
A defense spokesperson stated that 9.298 kg of methamphetamine tablets, commonly known as Yaba or party tablets, valued at approximately Rs 27.90 crore, were confiscated at Vangkai crossing point two in Champhai district, Mizoram, on Tuesday. The operation led to the arrest of two Myanmar nationals.
The arrested individuals, identified as Lalthangvela (28) and Zaithangpuia (26), are residents of Khawmawi in Myanmar. They had illegally entered Mizoram through the porous Champhai district with the illicit drug consignment. Acting on intelligence inputs, the Assam Rifles launched the operation and successfully intercepted the traffickers.
Following the seizure, the entire consignment, along with the arrested individuals, was handed over to the Police Department in Zokhawthar for further investigation and legal proceedings.
Major Drug Seizure in Assam
Meanwhile, in Assam, security forces also executed a successful drug interception. Acting on credible intelligence, the Cachar district police launched a special operation against illegal narcotics transportation along the Silchar-Aizawl road.
During the operation, police intercepted a Maruti WagonR at Ramprasadpur. The vehicle, which had no number plate, was searched thoroughly, leading to the discovery of 40,000 methamphetamine tablets hidden in secret compartments, along with 260 grams of suspected heroin concealed in 23 soap cases. The estimated market value of the seized narcotics is around Rs 14 crore.
The police arrested Rakesh Kumar Sinha (24), a resident of Hatikhal village, for his involvement in the illegal transportation. The narcotics and the vehicle were confiscated in the presence of independent witnesses, following all legal formalities.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the seized psychotropic substances were illegally transported from Manipur’s Churachandpur district. Further legal action is currently underway.
Drug Smuggling Routes and Challenges
Mizoram shares a 510 km-long unfenced border with Myanmar’s Chin state, making the illegal drug trade rampant through its six districts: Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip.
Myanmar, which shares a 1,643 km unfenced border with four northeastern Indian states—Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Manipur (398 km), Nagaland (215 km), and Mizoram (510 km)—serves as a major transit point for illicit drugs, particularly heroin and methamphetamine tablets, before they enter India.
From the northeastern states, these drugs are further trafficked into Bangladesh, which shares a 1,880 km border with Tripura (856 km), Meghalaya (443 km), Mizoram (318 km), and Assam (263 km).
Security agencies are on high alert, working tirelessly to combat the growing threat of narcotics smuggling in the region. Ongoing intelligence-led operations and increased surveillance aim to curb the drug menace and dismantle the networks involved in illicit trade.
