Assam Rifles and Police Discover Drugs Worth Rs 54 Crore in Mizoram; One Arrested

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Seizure of 17.946 kg methamphetamine valued at Rs 54 crore.
- Operation executed by Assam Rifles and Mizoram police.
- One Myanmar national arrested.
- Emphasis on community involvement in combating drug abuse.
- Mizoram shares an extensive border with Myanmar and Bangladesh.
Aizawl, April 13 (NationPress) The ongoing efforts of security forces in Mizoram to intercept drugs, weapons, ammunition, explosives, and exotic wildlife have yielded significant results, with the confiscation of 17.946 kg of highly addictive methamphetamine tablets valued at over Rs 54 crore, according to officials on Sunday.
A drug trafficker, identified as a national from Myanmar, was arrested in connection with this incident.
A defense spokesperson reported that based on confidential information, the Assam Rifles collaborated with Mizoram police to execute a rapid and effective operation on Saturday night, leading to the recovery of approximately 17.946 kg (or 180,000 tablets) of methamphetamine at Siachangkawn in Lawngtlai district, which has an unfenced border with Bangladesh.
The contraband is estimated to be worth nearly Rs 54 crore.
The detained Myanmar national and the seized drugs are being transferred to the Bualpui Police outpost in Lawngtlai district for further legal action.
This operation underscores the dedication of Assam Rifles to tackle the drug trafficking crisis in the area and protect the youth from the dangers of narcotics, as stated by an official.
A senior official from Mizoram police remarked that the methamphetamine tablets, commonly referred to as Yaba or party tablets, were smuggled from Myanmar with the intention of distributing them to Bangladesh via a hidden route.
Mizoram's Chief Minister Lalduhoma expressed serious concern about the increasing drug abuse in the state during an event in Aizawl on Saturday.
He called on all residents to unite in the pursuit of a drug-free Mizoram.
The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of enhancing both legal and traditional strategies to combat drug trafficking.
He particularly pointed out the effectiveness of community-based social sanctions, deeply ingrained in Mizo culture, as powerful tools in the anti-drug campaign, often surpassing formal legislation.
The Chin state of Myanmar serves as a major center for the smuggling of various drugs, exotic wildlife, and other contraband through six districts in Mizoram: Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip.
Mizoram shares an extensive unfenced border of 510 km with Myanmar and 318 km with Bangladesh.