Security forces, in separate operations across Assam, Manipur and Mizoram, seized heroin worth Rs 4.65 crore and arrested four drug peddlers over the past 24 hours, officials said on Tuesday.
In Manipur, security forces arrested a drug peddler identified as Hriili Kaihrii (65) from the Phougakchao Ikhai Bazar checkpoint in Bishnupur district. Around 94 grams of heroin, packed in eight soap cases, were recovered from his possession.
In another operation, Manipur Police arrested Mohammad Ajmir Hussain (39) from Tengdongyan in Imphal West district and seized 310 grams of heroin. The total value of the drugs recovered in Manipur, suspected to have been smuggled from Myanmar, has been estimated at Rs 2.26 crore, a police official said.
In Assam, acting on specific intelligence inputs, police conducted an anti-narcotics operation at Kachudaram in Cachar district, leading to the recovery of 356 grams of heroin valued at approximately Rs 2 crore. One person, identified as Anwar Hussain, was arrested. Police said legal action has been initiated to ascertain both forward and backward linkages of the drug network.
In Mizoram, Assam Rifles personnel launched a swift and well-coordinated operation in the Zote area of bordering Champhai district on Monday evening following intelligence inputs on narcotics trafficking. During the operation, troops intercepted a scooty and recovered 49.6 grams of heroin valued at around Rs 39 lakh. The contraband was being transported by an individual identified as K. Thangzalala.
The arrested individual, along with the seized drugs and the two-wheeler, was handed over to the Excise and Narcotics Department in Champhai district for further investigation and legal action under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
An official statement said the seizure highlights Assam Rifles’ commitment to combating cross-border drug trafficking and curbing the narcotics menace in Mizoram. The paramilitary force reiterated its resolve to secure the India-Myanmar border and promote a drug-free society.
Mizoram shares a 510-km unfenced border with Myanmar and a 318-km porous mountainous border with Bangladesh. Myanmar’s Chin state is considered a major hub for the smuggling of drugs, exotic wildlife and other contraband through six Mizoram districts—Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual and Serchhip.
Meanwhile, five Manipur districts—Churachandpur, Tengnoupal, Chandel, Kamjong and Ukhrul—share a 398-km unfenced international border with Myanmar, making the region vulnerable to cross-border smuggling.
