Major Drug Bust in Tripura: Assam Rifles and DRI Seize Methamphetamine and Arrest Suspect
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Agartala, April 12 (NationPress) In a significant operation, the Assam Rifles and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) successfully confiscated a substantial quantity of methamphetamine tablets, valued at over Rs 16 crore, in Tripura, leading to the arrest of a suspected drug dealer, officials reported on Sunday.
An official from the Assam Rifles confirmed that this operation represents a critical strike against narcotics trafficking. The paramilitary force, acting on precise intelligence and in collaboration with the DRI, detained an individual in Teliamura, located in Khowai district, on Saturday night.
During the operation, authorities intercepted a pick-up vehicle registered in Tripura.
A meticulous search of the vehicle revealed around two lakh methamphetamine tablets, commonly referred to as Yaba tablets.
The arrested individual has been identified as Raju Deb, aged 44, a resident of Jalilpur in West Tripura.
The accused, along with the confiscated drugs and the vehicle, has been handed over to the DRI for further inquiries and legal action.
This operation highlights the unwavering commitment of the Assam Rifles, in close partnership with the DRI, to tackle the issue of drug trafficking and ensure a safe environment in the region, according to the statement.
A police source suggested that the narcotics were likely smuggled from Myanmar and passed through Mizoram and southern Assam before being covertly brought into Tripura, with plans to smuggle them into Bangladesh.
Mizoram has a 510-km-long unfenced international border with Myanmar and a 318-km-long porous mountainous border with Bangladesh, making the area particularly susceptible to cross-border drug smuggling and other illicit activities. Meanwhile, Tripura, bordered on three sides by Bangladesh, is also highly vulnerable to cross-border migration and trafficking.
The adjoining Chin State in Myanmar is known as a major hub for the trafficking of narcotics, arms, exotic wildlife, and other contraband. These illegal items are frequently smuggled through six districts of Mizoram: Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip.
Among the most trafficked substances from Myanmar is methamphetamine, often called the 'crazy drug', which contains a blend of methamphetamine and caffeine and is strictly prohibited in India.