How Did Assam Rifles Seize Heroin Worth Over Rs 20 Crore in Mizoram?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Assam Rifles seized heroin worth over Rs 20 crores.
- Operation conducted in Champhai district, Mizoram.
- Part of a larger anti-drug campaign initiated by the government.
- Mizoram borders Myanmar, a major source of drug trafficking.
- Collaboration among law enforcement and community leaders is essential.
Aizawl, Sep 17 (NationPress) In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, the Assam Rifles successfully confiscated heroin worth over Rs 20.10 crores in Mizoram, officials reported on Wednesday.
A military spokesperson indicated that following specific intelligence regarding drug smuggling, an operation was initiated on Tuesday at Thingluang Kai, located in the Melbuk Road area of Champhai district, which borders Myanmar.
During the operation, one suspect was observed crossing the Tiau River while another awaited on the opposite bank. At the right moment, Assam Rifles personnel intervened, but the suspects managed to flee back into Myanmar, abandoning their shipment. This decisive action by the Assam Rifles resulted in the recovery of the drugs, successfully thwarting the smuggling attempt. The seized package, weighing 2.462 kg of heroin, along with the vehicle used, has been handed over to the Police Department in Zokhawthar for further investigation.
This latest drug seizure marks the largest haul of narcotics since the Mizoram government initiated a four-month-long special campaign and anti-drug operation on September 1, aimed at combating the illegal drug trade.
Mizoram's Inspector General of Police (IGP), H. Ramthlengliana, stated that the special campaign and ongoing operations will continue until December 31. “The police, alongside various law enforcement agencies, in collaboration with the YMA and village leaders, will carry out the campaign across all drug-affected regions, villages, and border areas throughout Mizoram's 11 districts,” the IGP informed IANS.
According to the IPS officer, Mizoram is the pioneering state among the eight Northeastern states to initiate such a comprehensive anti-drug campaign to eradicate the drug-related crisis.
A wide range of drugs, including highly addictive methamphetamine tablets, heroin, and various contraband items, are frequently trafficked through six districts in Mizoram—Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip—which share a 510 km unfenced border with Myanmar. These drugs are subsequently transported to other regions within India and abroad, including Bangladesh, via Assam and Tripura.
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma previously remarked that drug abuse poses the most significant threat to the state. He pointed out that Mizoram is in close proximity to the ‘Golden Triangle’, a region notorious for drug trafficking.
Advocating for collective efforts to combat the challenges of drug abuse, narcotics smuggling, and the spread of HIV/AIDS, Lalduhoma emphasized that it is a battle for the physical and spiritual health of all citizens. The Mizoram government has also initiated the recruitment process to establish a Mizo Territorial Army battalion to address drug trafficking and related law enforcement issues.