What Led to the Seizure of Rs 16.72 Crore Worth of Drugs in Mizoram and Tripura?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- DRI and Assam Rifles successfully seized illegal drugs worth Rs 16.72 crore.
- Three individuals were arrested in connection with drug trafficking.
- The drugs were hidden in a vehicle, showcasing smuggling techniques.
- The operation underscores the need for stronger border security measures.
- Methamphetamine is referred to as ‘crazy drug’ in the region.
Aizawl/Agartala, June 1 (NationPress) The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and Assam Rifles successfully intercepted a significant quantity of highly addictive methamphetamine tablets valued at Rs 16.72 crore and apprehended three drug traffickers in Mizoram and Tripura, officials confirmed on Sunday.
According to reports, acting on credible intelligence, DRI agents discovered and confiscated 10 packets containing 9.72 kg of methamphetamine tablets hidden in a compartment of a vehicle's back seat at Seling in Aizawl district on Saturday. The estimated value of these drugs stood at Rs 9.72 crore. The vehicle's driver was also taken into custody.
In a separate incident, the Assam Rifles, in collaboration with DRI officials, seized 70,000 methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 7 crore from a vehicle at Teliamura in Tripura’s Khowai district on Sunday. The drugs were concealed within a WagonR. Authorities detained two suspects identified as Shyamal Majumdar and Malay Debnath, both from Tripura. The detained individuals, along with the confiscated narcotics, were handed over to the DRI for further investigation and legal action.
This operation highlights the ongoing commitment of the Assam Rifles to combat drug trafficking and ensure regional security, as stated by a defense spokesperson.
Methamphetamine tablets, commonly referred to as ‘crazy drugs’ or ‘yaba’, are illegal in India.
Initial investigations indicate that the drugs were smuggled from Myanmar via the Zokhawthar sector along the India-Myanmar border.
Since January, the DRI has confiscated banned methamphetamine totaling over Rs 72 crore in Mizoram and has arrested seven individuals in connection with drug-related offenses during this timeframe.
Officials report that, as has been the case historically, the drugs seized in Mizoram and Tripura were smuggled from Myanmar, which shares an unprotected border stretching 1,643 km with four northeastern states: Mizoram, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland. This porous international border is a crucial gateway for illicit drugs, particularly heroin and methamphetamine tablets, entering India.