Guwahati: In a major crackdown on synthetic drug trafficking in the Northeast, the Assam Rifles, in coordination with other agencies, have seized narcotics worth Rs 46.25 crore and arrested five alleged smugglers in separate operations in Assam and Mizoram.
The intelligence-led operations resulted in the seizure of 20 kg of crystal methamphetamine and 7.813 kg of Yaba tablets, reportedly trafficked from Myanmar.
The major seizure was made at Dholai Bazar in Assam’s Cachar district, where a joint team of the Assam Rifles and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted a vehicle following technical surveillance. The operation led to the recovery of 20 kg of crystal methamphetamine, estimated to be worth Rs 40 crore.
Officials described it as the largest-ever seizure of high-purity crystal methamphetamine in the region. Three alleged operatives were arrested, while two vehicles suspected to have been used in the operation and encrypted mobile devices were also seized.
A senior defence spokesperson said the operation had disrupted a major multi-state supply chain allegedly using Silchar as a transit point for transporting narcotics to mainland India.
In a separate operation, security personnel recovered 7.813 kg of Yaba tablets, valued at Rs 6.25 crore, from Ramthar North in Aizawl, Mizoram. Two persons were arrested in connection with the seizure under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Yaba tablets typically contain a combination of methamphetamine and caffeine and are known for their highly addictive stimulant effects. The drugs are reportedly smuggled into the Northeast through routes originating in Myanmar and the wider Golden Triangle region.
Security concerns remain over the porous international border with Myanmar, particularly along stretches adjoining Mizoram and Manipur, which are vulnerable to cross-border trafficking.
Following the operations, the Assam Rifles reiterated its commitment to combating cross-border drug trafficking and preventing narcotics from reaching communities in the frontier states.
All five arrested persons are in custody as investigations continue to identify the wider trafficking networks and suspected financial links behind the operations.