Meth Worth Rs 23.72 Cr Seized Near Mizoram Border

AIZAWL-  A joint operation by the Assam Rifles and Mizoram Police led to the seizure of methamphetamine tablets valued at over ₹23.72 crore near the India-Myanmar border in Champhai district, officials said.

The operation was carried out near Hmunhmeltha Road, a location close to the international border. According to a defence spokesperson, security personnel discovered an abandoned truck during the operation. A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 7.907 kg of methamphetamine tablets.

The vehicle, bearing an Assam registration number, was also seized. The recovered contraband and the vehicle have been handed over to the Excise and Narcotics Department in Champhai for further investigation and legal proceedings.

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Officials indicated that the seizure forms part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to counter cross-border narcotics trafficking. Preliminary inputs suggest that the methamphetamine tablets were smuggled from Myanmar and were likely intended for distribution in other parts of India or neighbouring regions, possibly through transit routes in Assam or Meghalaya.

Mizoram shares a 510-km-long international border with Myanmar and a 318-km-long border with Bangladesh. The terrain, characterised by mountainous and porous stretches, has been identified as a vulnerable corridor for smuggling activities.

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Authorities have noted that Myanmar’s Chin state continues to be a significant source of illicit trafficking, including narcotics, arms, and other contraband. These goods are often routed through multiple districts in Mizoram, including Champhai, Lawngtlai, and Siaha.

Methamphetamine tablets, commonly referred to as Yaba or party drugs, are banned in India. They typically contain a combination of methamphetamine and caffeine and are associated with high addiction potential.

The latest seizure underscores persistent challenges faced by enforcement agencies in curbing illegal trafficking networks operating along the border, even as coordinated operations continue to target such activities.