Over the past 24 hours, security forces in Assam, Manipur, and Mizoram executed separate operations that culminated in the seizure of heroin valued at Rs 4.65 crore and the arrest of four drug peddlers. In Manipur, a 65-year-old named Hriili Kaihrii was apprehended at the Phougakchao Ikhai Bazar checkpoint, with approximately 94 grams of heroin concealed in eight soap cases. Additionally, 39-year-old Mohammad Ajmir Hussain was arrested in Tengdongyan, Imphal West, with around 310 grams of heroin, totaling an estimated value of Rs 2.26 crore for the drugs suspected to be smuggled from Myanmar.
In Assam, police conducted an anti-narcotics operation based on specific intelligence inputs at Kachudaram in Cachar district, recovering 356 grams of heroin worth about Rs 2 crore. An individual named Anwar Hussain was arrested, and investigations are underway to explore the broader drug trafficking network.
In Mizoram, Assam Rifles personnel conducted a swift operation in the Zote area of Champhai district, leading to the interception of a scooty carrying 49.6 grams of heroin valued at around Rs 39 lakh. The individual in possession, identified as K. Thangzalala, was arrested, and both the drugs and the vehicle were handed over to the Excise and Narcotics Department for ongoing investigations under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
An official statement emphasized the commitment of the Assam Rifles to combat cross-border drug trafficking and the ongoing effort to curb the narcotics issue in Mizoram. The region, which shares a significant border with Myanmar, is particularly vulnerable to smuggling due to its porous boundaries. Mizoram shares a 510-km unfenced border with Myanmar and a 318-km mountainous border with Bangladesh, while five districts in Manipur also border Myanmar, enhancing the risk of trafficking activities. Myanmar’s Chin state is highlighted as a key source for smuggling drugs and other contraband into these regions.
