Cachar (Assam), Feb 12 (NationPress) In a relentless battle against drug trafficking from Myanmar, the Assam Rifles and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) successfully intercepted a heroin consignment valued at Rs 3.2 crore and apprehended two drug traffickers in Cachar district, officials reported on Thursday.

A spokesperson for the defense revealed that following specific intelligence concerning narcotics distribution in Cachar district, the troops from Assam Rifles, in collaboration with DRI, initiated a coordinated operation on Wednesday night.

Cachar, together with Sribhumi (previously known as Karimganj) and Hailakandi districts, shares an extensive inter-state boundary of over 164 km with Mizoram, which has become a significant route for drug trafficking due to its closeness to Myanmar.

During the operation, the collaborative team apprehended two suspects who were transporting heroin worth Rs 3.2 crore along National Highway-306, the key access route for the hilly region of Mizoram.

The vehicle used for the drug transport and a mobile phone discovered with the suspects were also confiscated.

Investigations are ongoing.

The Assam Rifles and DRI have been pivotal in anti-drug initiatives in the region, regularly conducting well-coordinated operations to disrupt drug trafficking networks. This seizure signifies a crucial step in efforts to counteract drug smuggling, according to an official statement.

Authorities suspect that the narcotics were smuggled from Myanmar and passed through Mizoram before being delivered to Assam for distribution in other regions of the nation.

Earlier, on February 10, the Assam Rifles, in a joint mission with state police and the Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau (SIB), seized 3.518 kg of morphine valued at Rs 3.5 crore and arrested two drug traffickers in Mizoram’s Ngopa area under Saitual district.

In that operation, security personnel halted a vehicle and, after thorough inspection, discovered 3.518 kg of morphine with an estimated market value of Rs 3.5 crore. The contraband was being transported by two individuals identified as Kasim and Mukeem Ali.

Mizoram shares a 510-km long unfenced border with Myanmar and a 318-km lengthy porous mountainous border with Bangladesh, rendering the state susceptible to cross-border smuggling activities. Myanmar’s Chin state is recognized as a major hub for the smuggling of narcotics, exotic wildlife, foreign-made cigarettes, Myanmarese areca nuts (betel nuts), and other illicit goods through six districts in Mizoram: Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip.