How Did Assam Rifles Seize Heroin Worth Rs 11.40 Crore in Mizoram?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Assam Rifles seized heroin valued at Rs 11.40 crore.
- Three individuals were arrested, including a woman.
- The drugs were linked to smuggling operations from Myanmar.
- Ongoing drug trafficking poses significant challenges to regional security.
- Authorities are taking steps to combat drug-related crimes in northeastern India.
Aizawl/Agartala, Sep 24 (NationPress) The Assam Rifles have successfully intercepted heroin valued at around Rs 11.40 crore in Mizoram, apprehending three alleged drug traffickers, including a woman, as reported by officials on Wednesday.
A defense spokesperson indicated that following actionable intelligence regarding drug smuggling, the Assam Rifles conducted an operation in the World Bank Road vicinity bordering Zokhawthar town in the Champhai district on Tuesday night.
The paramilitary forces observed three individuals acting suspiciously in the area. The trio, which included the woman, was caught while attempting to retrieve a hidden package.
A comprehensive search of the surroundings resulted in the recovery of 1.377 kilograms of heroin, estimated to be worth approximately Rs 11.40 crores.
The suspects were identified as Zarzosanga, Joseph Lalmuansanga, and Malsawmkimi.
The seized drugs and the arrested individuals have been handed over to the Customs and Narcotics Department for further legal proceedings.
Officials indicated that these narcotics were smuggled from Myanmar, which shares a 1,643 km unfenced border with four northeastern states: Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram. The region is a critical transit point for drugs, notably heroin and methamphetamine tablets, entering India.
Myanmar's Chin State serves as a center for the smuggling of various drugs, exotic wildlife, and other contraband through six districts in Mizoram: Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip.
In Tripura, Chief Minister Manik Saha reported that law enforcement agencies arrested 248 individuals for illegal drug use and apprehended 2,729 drug traffickers over the past three financial years.
Responding to inquiries from Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman and CPI (M) legislator Sudip Sarkar in the Tripura Assembly on Tuesday night, CM Saha noted that security agencies are currently pursuing 28 additional drug dealers who are on the run.
CM Saha, who also oversees the Home portfolio, mentioned in a written statement that under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act 1985, the conviction rate stood at 11.7 percent in 2022 and 2023, and 5 percent in 2024.
Following judicial orders, the High Level Drug Disposal Committee and State Level Drug Disposal Committee have disposed of and incinerated the seized drugs at designated locations, as stated by the Chief Minister.