Did Assam Rifles Uncover Drugs Worth Rs 37 Crore in Mizoram?

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Did Assam Rifles Uncover Drugs Worth Rs 37 Crore in Mizoram?

Synopsis

In a groundbreaking operation, Assam Rifles, in tandem with law enforcement, seized drugs worth Rs 37 crore in Mizoram. This incident underscores the ongoing battle against rampant smuggling along the porous borders. What does this mean for drug trafficking in the region?

Key Takeaways

  • Assam Rifles seized drugs worth Rs 37 crore.
  • Operation was conducted based on specific intelligence.
  • Drugs include heroin and methamphetamine tablets.
  • Recent seizure follows another significant bust in Zokhawthar.
  • Cross-border smuggling is a major issue in the region.

Aizawl, July 18 (NationPress) In a significant operation, the Assam Rifles, in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies, has confiscated a large quantity of highly addictive methamphetamine tablets and heroin, estimated to be worth approximately Rs 37 crore in Mizoram, officials reported on Friday.

A spokesperson for the Defence stated that a joint operation was initiated based on specific intelligence, conducted by the Assam Rifles and the Narcotics Control Bureau on Thursday night at the border area of Zokhawthar in the Champhai district of eastern Mizoram.

During a meticulous search of the targeted area, security personnel successfully retrieved 642 grams of heroin and 10.44 kg of methamphetamine tablets, with a total value approximating Rs 37 crore. Unfortunately, the drug traffickers evaded capture upon noticing the Assam Rifles troops.

The seized narcotics have been transferred to the Narcotics Control Bureau for further legal proceedings in accordance with the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act 1985.

This latest seizure comes just a week after a significant recovery of methamphetamine tablets and heroin valued at over Rs 113.36 crore from the same Zokhawthar region on July 11.

The methamphetamine tablets are notably popular among users and are known to cause severe damage to the brain and heart.

Zokhawthar is a border town in the Champhai district of Mizoram, which adjoins an unfenced border with Myanmar.

Illegal cross-border trades involving drugs, arms, ammunition, and other contraband are prevalent in the border regions of Mizoram, which shares an extensive unfenced border of 510 km with Myanmar and 318 km with Bangladesh.

The Chin state of Myanmar serves as a crucial hub for smuggling various drugs, exotic wildlife, and other contraband through six districts of Mizoram, including Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip.

An official from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) indicated that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has recently backed the proposal of the Mizoram government to establish a Mizo Territorial Army (MTA) battalion aimed at combating drug trafficking and addressing law and order challenges.

During a recent visit to New Delhi, Chief Minister Lalduhoma discussed several pressing issues with the Home Minister.

Furthermore, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has proposed the establishment of a zonal office in Mizoram. NCB Director General Anurag Garg met with the Chief Minister and emphasized the necessity for more personnel who are familiar with the local dialect and the ground realities of the state.

As a former IPS officer, Lalduhoma discussed strategies to effectively combat the drug trade and the narcotics crisis affecting the youth during his meeting with Garg.

He also conveyed to the NCB DG his request for the Ministry of Home Affairs to allow the state government to form the MTA to bolster vigilance along the state's unfenced borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Point of View

The recent seizure of drugs by the Assam Rifles highlights the ongoing challenges of drug trafficking in border regions. The collaboration between various law enforcement agencies reflects a concerted effort to address this pressing issue. The establishment of a Mizo Territorial Army could potentially enhance vigilance and curb the drug trade in the area, demonstrating a proactive approach to safeguarding the community.
NationPress
20/07/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What substances were seized by the Assam Rifles?
The Assam Rifles seized methamphetamine tablets and heroin, valued at around Rs 37 crore.
Where did the operation take place?
The operation was conducted in the border area of Zokhawthar in the Champhai district of Mizoram.
What actions will be taken against the seized drugs?
The recovered drugs have been handed over to the Narcotics Control Bureau for further legal action under the NDPS Act.
Why is the region significant in drug trafficking?
Mizoram shares an extensive unfenced border with Myanmar, making it a hotspot for smuggling drugs and other contraband.
What measures are being proposed to combat drug trafficking?
The Mizoram government is proposing the establishment of a Mizo Territorial Army to enhance vigilance and combat drug trafficking.