How Did Assam Rifles Seize Drugs Worth Rs 113.36 Crore in Mizoram?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Assam Rifles' operations were crucial in combating drug trafficking.
- Significant drug seizures highlight ongoing border security challenges.
- Collaboration with law enforcement is essential for future operations.
- Cross-border smuggling poses a threat to public safety.
- Continued vigilance is required in border regions.
Aizawl, July 12 (NationPress) In a remarkable operation, the Assam Rifles, in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies, successfully confiscated highly addictive methamphetamine tablets and heroin valued at more than Rs 113.36 crore and seized 7,000 detonators in Mizoram, officials confirmed on Saturday.
During the last 24 hours, security personnel apprehended three individuals linked to this substantial seizure.
A defense spokesperson reported that acting on reliable intelligence about drug movements in the Zokhawthar region, an Area Domination Patrol (ADP) team from the Assam Rifles noticed two individuals carrying white rucksacks. Upon sighting the security forces, the drug traffickers leaped into the river and fled across the India-Myanmar border.
Upon inspecting the rucksacks, the paramilitary troops uncovered 33 packets containing 3,33,300 banned methamphetamine tablets weighing 37.476 Kgs. The estimated value of these methamphetamine tablets, commonly referred to as Yaba or party tablets, stands at Rs 112.401 crore, presumably intended for distribution in Champhai town.
Zokhawthar, a border town in eastern Mizoram's Champhai district, shares an unfenced border with Myanmar.
In a separate operation, Assam Rifles intercepted two individuals displaying suspicious behavior on a Chinese Kenbo motorcycle. During a thorough search, they discovered 11 soap cases (128 gm) containing heroin worth Rs 96 lakh, which were subsequently seized.
In a third operation, the Assam Rifles and Mizoram Police, while conducting a search in the Chanmari area of Aizawl district, recovered 7,000 detonators from an individual who stored these explosive materials in his residence. The seized drugs and detonators, along with the three arrested drug traffickers, have been handed over to the police.
Illegal cross-border trade involving drugs, arms, ammunition, and other contraband is prevalent in the border regions of Mizoram. Myanmar's Chin state serves as a hub for the smuggling of various drugs and exotic wildlife, traversing through six Mizoram districts: Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip. Mizoram shares a total of 510 km and 318 km of unfenced borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh, respectively.