AIZAWL: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested an individual following extensive searches in gun shops and other locations in Mizoram in connection with a case of arms, ammunition trafficking, and explosives smuggling.
The NIA conducted searches at six locations, including two gun shops, in Aizawl district of Mizoram, leading to the arrest of Solomona, also known as Hminga.
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The searches resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of explosive materials, ammunition, digital devices, documents, and other incriminating materials.
Solomona is the second person to be arrested in this case, identified as RC-31/2023/NIA/DLI, which pertains to the trafficking of arms, ammunition, and explosives in the Northeast states.
The case was registered on December 26, 2023, under various sections of the IPC, Explosive Substances Act, Arms Act, and UAPA, following credible information about a large-scale illegal supply network operating in the region.
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Investigations have revealed that the accused had established a network in the border areas of Myanmar and Mizoram to procure and transfer arms and ammunition, and smuggle explosives into Mizoram and Manipur from across the Myanmar border.
Earlier, Laigaihawma was arrested in connection with this case. His associate, Lalmuanawma, also known as Mangliana, who is still at large, hails from Myanmar.
Along with their Myanmar-based associates, they were involved in supplying arms, ammunition, and explosives in Mizoram and Manipur, and sending supplies to Myanmar-based armed groups.
Further investigations have uncovered that hawala channels were being used to transfer payments for the arms and ammunition trafficking.