Drugs worth Rs 4.65 crore seized in Assam, Manipur, Mizoram; four arrested

January 20, 2026

Imphal/Aizawl: Security forces achieved significant success against drug trafficking in Manipur and Assam over the past 24 hours. In Manipur, a drug peddler identified as Hriili Kaihrii (65) was arrested from the Phougakchao Ikhai Bazar checkpoint in Bishnupur district, where 94 grams of heroin packed in eight soap cases were recovered from his possession. In a separate operation, Manipur Police arrested Mohammad Ajmir Hussain (39) from Tengdongyan in Imphal West district and seized 310 grams of heroin from him. The total value of heroin recovered in Manipur is estimated at Rs 2.26 crore, with officials suspecting the contraband was smuggled from Myanmar.

Meanwhile, in Assam’s Cachar district, an anti-narcotics operation based on specific intelligence inputs was conducted at Kachudaram, resulting in the seizure of 356 grams of heroin valued at around Rs 2 crore. One accused, Anwar Hussain, was arrested, and police have initiated legal proceedings to trace both forward and backward links in the drug supply chain.

Swift Assam Rifles Operation in Mizoram

In Mizoram, Assam Rifles carried out a swift and well-coordinated operation in the Zote area of Champhai district following intelligence inputs about narcotics movement along the border. Troops intercepted a scooty during routine checks and recovered 49.6 grams of heroin, valued at approximately Rs 39 lakh. The contraband was being transported by K. Thangzalala, who was immediately apprehended.

The accused, along with the seized drugs and the two-wheeler, was handed over to the Excise and Narcotics Department, Champhai, for further investigation and legal action under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Officials said the operation reflects the force’s continued commitment to preventing cross-border smuggling and curbing the drug menace in the region.

Border Vulnerabilities and Smuggling Routes Under Scanner

Officials highlighted that Mizoram shares a 510-km unfenced border with Myanmar and a 318-km porous mountainous border with Bangladesh, making it vulnerable to cross-border smuggling. Myanmar’s Chin state has emerged as a major hub for drugs, exotic wildlife and other contraband, with trafficking routes passing through six Mizoram districts — Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual and Serchhip.

Similarly, five districts of Manipur — Churachandpur, Tengnoupal, Chandel, Kamjong and Ukhrul — share a 398-km unfenced international border with Myanmar, which continues to be exploited by drug syndicates. Security agencies said intensified surveillance and coordinated operations will continue to dismantle these networks and ensure a drug-free Northeast.