Aizawl/Agartala, Nov 23 (NationPress) A coordinated effort by multiple law enforcement agencies, such as the Assam Rifles and the BSF, has resulted in a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, leading to the confiscation of narcotics valued at approximately Rs 100 crore and the arrest of 12 individuals, including four from Myanmar, in just one week, officials reported on Sunday.

According to an official source, the Assam Rifles, Border Security Force (BSF), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), as well as the Excise and Narcotics Departments from Mizoram, Tripura, and Manipur, have carried out joint operations that resulted in the seizure of various illegal drugs, including highly addictive methamphetamine tablets, heroin, cocaine, and dry Ganja (marijuana) from Mizoram, Tripura, Manipur, and Assam.

The drug trade is reportedly being facilitated by a network linking peddlers from Mizoram, Tripura, Assam, and Myanmar, with Myanmar's Chin state identified as the primary hub for these illicit activities.

On November 17, a significant breakthrough occurred when the Assam Rifles, in collaboration with the Customs Department, dismantled an international drug syndicate linked to Pakistan, seizing 800 grams of cocaine valued at nearly Rs 8 crore and apprehending two peddlers in Tripura.

A Customs Department representative indicated that, acting on specific intelligence regarding a drug-trafficking syndicate smuggling high-purity cocaine into India through the Punjab border from Pakistan, the Agartala Customs Department has successfully disrupted a major narcotics network that operates across several states.

The syndicate was reportedly transporting the contraband via land routes to Tripura and other Northeastern states for subsequent distribution into Bangladesh and Southeast Asian countries via Mizoram.

Following actionable intelligence in the Tripura sector, a joint operation was executed on November 17, resulting in the arrest of two Indian nationals in Agartala with 800 grams of high-purity cocaine.

The apprehended individuals are residents of Bishalgarh in the bordering Sepahijala district. In another significant operation, the Mizoram Police seized a large quantity of methamphetamine tablets and heroin, with a combined value of Rs 41.64 crore, in separate operations conducted on November 19 and 20.

According to a police report, two drug peddlers from Assam and another from Manipur were arrested for possessing drugs smuggled from Myanmar.

The methamphetamine tablets, also known as Yaba or party tablets, consist of a mixture of methamphetamine and caffeine, and have gained popularity in India, Bangladesh, and neighboring countries.

These methamphetamine tablets, banned in India, are often referred to as the 'crazy drug'. Mizoram shares a 510 km and 318 km unfenced border with Myanmar and Bangladesh, respectively.

Myanmar's Chin state serves as a significant hub for the smuggling of various drugs, exotic wildlife, and other contraband through several districts in Mizoram, including Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip.

Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Director General Anurag Garg emphasized at a Regional Conference of Heads of Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) for Northeastern states and West Bengal earlier this month in Kohima that the primary influx of heroin and other narcotic substances into the Northeastern states originates from Myanmar.

Some insurgent groups and organized criminal entities in the region are implicated in drug production, illegal trade, and other illicit activities. The NCB chief stressed the importance of collaborative efforts among Northeastern states to enhance enforcement mechanisms and intelligence sharing in the battle against narcotics.

The NCB DG noted that drug trafficking fuels other organized criminal activities and poses serious public health and safety risks, resulting in increased crime, violence, and pressure on healthcare systems. A 2019 survey conducted by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) revealed elevated rates of drug abuse in Northeastern states compared to other regions in the country.

In response, the Mizoram government initiated a four-month-long special campaign and anti-drug operation on September 1 to combat the illegal drug trade and its ramifications.

Mizoram Inspector General of Police (IGP) H. Ramthlengliana stated that this special campaign and intensive operations will continue until December 31.