New Delhi/Aizawl, March 5 (NationPress) In a series of significant operations, law enforcement agencies have confiscated methamphetamine tablets and heroin worth approximately Rs 36 crore in Mizoram, leading to the arrest of seven individuals involved in drug trafficking, including three nationals from Myanmar, as confirmed by officials on Thursday.

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), in collaboration with the SIB of Mizoram and the State Excise and Narcotics Department, conducted three well-coordinated raids along the India-Myanmar border, resulting in the seizure of 36.434 kg of methamphetamine tablets and 905 grams of heroin.

According to officials, the confiscated drugs carry a value of around Rs 31 crore. In connection with these seizures, four individuals, including one from Myanmar, have been apprehended.

In another operation, police in the Champhai district of eastern Mizoram intercepted heroin and methamphetamine tablets valued at over Rs 4.88 crore and arrested three people, two of whom were Myanmar nationals.

A police official reported that during routine surveillance near Chhungte village, close to the border with Myanmar, authorities seized the drugs.

During the operation, a suspicious vehicle was stopped by the police. As they inspected it, a scooter sped past, raising suspicion and prompting a chase. The occupants of the scooter abandoned it and fled on foot.

However, police successfully pursued and apprehended all three suspects, including the two Myanmar nationals.

Those arrested have been identified as Lalhriathlua (26), a resident of Vaphai in Champhai district, and Kaplianmanga (45) and Lalnunzira (21), both from Tlangkawi in Myanmar's Chin State.

The Mizoram Police hailed this seizure as a crucial development in their ongoing efforts to combat narcotics trafficking, a persistent issue in the eastern border areas of the state.

Cases have been filed at the Champhai Police Station under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, and the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.

Officials added that further investigations are underway to trace both the source of the contraband and its intended distribution network.

Methamphetamine tablets, commonly referred to as Yaba or party tablets, are a mix of methamphetamine and caffeine, known as the "crazy drug" and banned in India.

Mizoram's geographic location, featuring a 510-km long unfenced international border with Myanmar and a 318-km porous mountainous border with Bangladesh, makes it particularly susceptible to cross-border smuggling.

Myanmar's Chin State is recognized as a major hub for the trafficking of narcotics, exotic wildlife, foreign-made cigarettes, betel nuts, and other illicit goods through six districts of Mizoram: Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip.