Aizawl, March 2 (NationPress) The Assam Rifles, in collaboration with the Mizoram Police, have successfully confiscated a substantial amount of drugs valued at Rs 66.31 crore during two separate operations in the Champhai district, which is notorious for drug smuggling and shares an unfenced border with Myanmar, officials disclosed on Sunday.

A defence spokesperson reported that the Assam Rifles and police personnel seized 20.20 kg of highly addictive Methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 60.62 crore from Crossing Point One, Zokhawthar in Champhai district on Saturday. The operation was initiated based on credible information regarding a large drug trafficking consignment crossing into India near the Myanmar border.

The team successfully intercepted and confiscated the consignment, which was then handed over to the police department for further legal action. No arrests were made in this incident.

Additionally, the Assam Rifles and Mizoram Police seized 492 grams of heroin valued at Rs 3.69 lakh from World Bank Road in Zokhawthar, Champhai district. The drugs were being transported by two individuals on a scooter.

Upon being confronted by Assam Rifles personnel, the suspects fled the scene, abandoning their cargo. The police department took custody of the entire consignment for further investigation and legal measures.

Mizoram has a 510 km long unfenced border with Myanmar’s Chin state, resulting in rampant drug smuggling through its six districts: Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip. Champhai district is particularly notorious for drug trafficking from Myanmar.

Drugs smuggled from Myanmar typically make their way to Tripura via Mizoram and Assam before reaching neighboring Bangladesh.

The border between India and Myanmar is entirely open, while significant sections of the India-Bangladesh border are fenced, thus facilitating the illegal trade.