Massive Methamphetamine Seizure Worth Rs 23.72 Crore at India-Myanmar Border
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Aizawl, March 20 (NationPress) In a significant operation, the Assam Rifles, collaborating with the Mizoram Police, confiscated a substantial quantity of highly addictive methamphetamine tablets worth over Rs 23.72 crore along the India-Myanmar frontier, as reported by officials on Friday.
A spokesperson for the defense stated that this operation took place near Hmunhmeltha Road in the Champhai district, which is adjacent to the international border with Myanmar.
During the operation, security forces discovered an abandoned truck in the border vicinity. A comprehensive search of the vehicle led the Assam Rifles and Mizoram Police to retrieve 7.907 kg of methamphetamine tablets, valued at around Rs 23.72 crore.
The truck, which displayed an Assam registration number, was also seized as part of this operation.
Subsequent to the seizure, the Assam Rifles transferred the confiscated narcotics and the vehicle to the Excise and Narcotics Department in Champhai for further scrutiny and appropriate legal proceedings.
An official statement highlighted that this operation exemplifies the ongoing commitment of the Assam Rifles and Mizoram Police to combat cross-border drug trafficking and protect the youth of Mizoram.
Authorities suspect that the illegal methamphetamine tablets were trafficked from Myanmar, intended for distribution in Bangladesh or other regions of India through Assam or Meghalaya.
Mizoram shares a 510-km open international border with Myanmar and a 318-km long porous, mountainous boundary with Bangladesh, rendering the area particularly susceptible to illicit smuggling and unauthorized movement.
Myanmar’s Chin state is recognized as a significant hub for the trafficking of narcotics, arms, ammunition, exotic wildlife, foreign-made cigarettes, Myanmar areca nuts (betel nuts), and various other contraband across six districts of Mizoram—Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip.
Methamphetamine tablets, commonly referred to as Yaba or party tablets, comprise a blend of methamphetamine and caffeine and are prohibited in India.