Aizawl/Imphal, Jan 21 (NationPress) In a significant operation, the Assam Rifles alongside various law enforcement agencies have successfully seized drugs worth over Rs 18.33 crore, confiscated a large amount of Myanmar currency, and apprehended seven drug traffickers during distinct missions in Mizoram and Manipur on Wednesday, according to officials.

With the recent confiscations, authorities have seized narcotics totaling more than Rs 57.33 crore and detained ten drug traffickers across Assam, Mizoram, and Manipur within the last 24 hours.

A defense spokesperson mentioned that, acting on reliable intelligence concerning drug trafficking in the Diltlang region of Mizoram's Champhai district, Assam Rifles personnel set up a Mobile Vehicle Check Post (MVCP).

During this mission, vigilant troops intercepted a suspicious motorcycle. Upon confrontation, both the rider and the passenger fled the scene. A meticulous search of the abandoned motorcycle uncovered 2.057 kg of heroin valued at around Rs 15.42 crore, along with a mobile phone.

The spokesperson affirmed that the paramilitary unit is unwavering in its commitment to securing the India-Myanmar border and promoting a drug-free community in the area. In another mission, Assam Rifles personnel stopped a Chinese-manufactured Kenbo bike at Tlangsam in the same Champhai district.

Upon thorough examination, they discovered 87.6 grams of heroin valued at approximately Rs 68.25 lakh. The drug was being transported by an identified trafficker named Tlana.

The detained individual, along with the seized narcotics and the vehicle, was transferred to the Excise and Narcotics Department in Champhai for further investigation and appropriate legal action.

In a third operation, an Assam Rifles team intercepted two vehicles at Laki in Mizoram’s Siaha district. A meticulous search yielded Myanmar currency totaling Kyat 3,46,07,000 and resulted in the arrest of five individuals.

Among those detained, three are nationals of Myanmar, while two are Indian citizens. The confiscated foreign currency and the apprehended individuals were handed over to the Tuipang Police Station in Siaha district for further legal proceedings.

In Manipur, the Assam Rifles, in collaboration with state police, executed a successful anti-drug operation on Wednesday in the Maram region of Senapati district, marking a significant stride against drug trafficking.

During this operation, security forces captured one individual and seized 268 grams of brown sugar, with an estimated market value of around Rs 53.60 lakh.

This successful recovery underscores the steadfast commitment of the Assam Rifles in combating the drug epidemic and its ongoing efforts to secure peace, safety, and a drug-free environment in the region, as stated by officials.

Additionally, in another operation within Manipur, Assam Rifles confiscated a substantial haul of illegal areca nuts (betel nuts) during a raid along a state highway in Noney district. Acting on specific intelligence regarding the illegal transport of betel nuts, Assam Rifles swiftly initiated an operation.

During the search, a total of 560 bags of areca nuts, each weighing 100 kg and totaling 56,000 kg, were seized. The estimated market value of the confiscated areca nuts is around Rs 1.7 crore.

Officials stated that the operation reflects the Assam Rifles’ dedication to combating illegal activities and upholding law and order in the region. The seized contraband was handed over to the Divisional Forest Officer in Noney district for further legal action in accordance with established procedures.

Myanmar, sharing a 1,643-km unfenced border with four northeastern states—Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram—serves as a crucial transit route for various drugs, especially heroin and methamphetamine tablets, along with other contraband entering India.