Aizawl, Feb 19 (NationPress) In a collaborative operation, the Assam Rifles and Mizoram Police have successfully confiscated more than 10 kg of two varieties of highly addictive methamphetamine tablets, valued at over Rs 71.15 crore, leading to the arrest of a drug dealer, officials reported on Wednesday.

An official from the defense stated that troops from the Assam Rifles and police, acting on confidential intelligence, conducted the operation on Tuesday night, seizing the methamphetamine tablets, commonly referred to as Yaba or party tablets, from Vangkai in the eastern region of Mizoram’s Champhai district, which shares an unguarded border with Myanmar.

The authorities apprehended the drug dealer, identified as Vanlalruaia, aged 59, a resident of Aizawl.

The entire drug consignment and the arrested individual were taken into custody by police in Zokhawthar for further inquiry and legal action.

“The continuous smuggling of illicit substances poses a serious issue for Mizoram. The Assam Rifles have intensified their efforts against illegal trafficking and are making significant strides to capture the masterminds behind the smuggling operations in Mizoram,” stated an official release.

This seizure on Tuesday night marks the second significant drug bust in Mizoram within a span of 48 hours. The defense spokesperson previously mentioned that 9.298 kg of methamphetamine tablets, estimated to be worth around Rs 27.90 crore, were confiscated at Vangkai crossing point two in the same Champhai district on Monday, resulting in the arrest of two Myanmar nationals.

According to the spokesperson, the Assam Rifles acted on intelligence and executed an operation that led to the arrest of Lalthangvela, aged 28, and Zaithangpuia, aged 26, recovering the drugs. These drug traffickers are from Khawmawi in Myanmar and had unlawfully crossed into Mizoram with the narcotics through the porous Champhai district.

Mizoram has a 510 km-long unprotected border with Myanmar’s Chin state, which facilitates widespread drug trafficking across its six districts - Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip. Champhai district has become a focal point for drug smuggling activities from Myanmar.