Aizawl, Jan 2 (NationPress) The Assam Rifles have confiscated highly addictive methamphetamine tablets valued at over Rs 33.18 crore by apprehending a drug dealer on Friday, officials confirmed.

A spokesperson for the defense stated that, acting on reliable intelligence regarding narcotics trafficking near the India-Myanmar border, the Assam Rifles, in collaboration with the Mizoram Police, conducted a joint operation in the Kaifang area of Saitual district in Mizoram on Friday.

During this operation, unusual activity was noted near the suspected area, the spokesperson mentioned.

A rapid and comprehensive search led to the recovery of 11.062 kg of Methamphetamine tablets, a psychotropic substance with an estimated international market value of Rs 33.186 crore. The confiscated drugs and a vehicle were handed over to the Mizoram Police for an in-depth investigation and subsequent legal proceedings.

The drug dealer, identified as Hasan Ali, a resident of Badarpur district in southern Assam, was also apprehended during the operation and has been transferred to the Mizoram police for legal action under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act 1985.

The methamphetamine tablets, known as Yaba or party tablets, which contain a combination of methamphetamine and caffeine and are referred to as the ‘crazy drug’, are prohibited in India.

The prompt and decisive action taken by the Assam Rifles underscores their unwavering commitment to combatting drug trafficking activities, according to a statement from Assam Rifles. The operation further highlights ongoing cooperative efforts to safeguard the youth of Mizoram from the detrimental impacts of narcotics and to uphold peace and security in the region.

Mizoram shares a 510 km and 318 km unfenced border with Myanmar and Bangladesh, respectively. Myanmar's Chin state serves as a hub for smuggling various drugs, exotic wildlife, and other contraband through six districts in Mizoram: Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip.