Jan 29 || TC - In a joint operation, the Assam Rifles and Mizoram Police have successfully seized a large quantity of heroin and Methamphetamine tablets valued at over Rs 7.64 crore, and arrested one drug smuggler, according to officials on Wednesday.
A spokesperson for the Defence said that the Assam Rifles and Mizoram Police detained a drug dealer at Zokhawthar, located in the Champhai district near the Myanmar border, on Tuesday night. A total of 2.276 kg of heroin and methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 7.64 crore were recovered from the suspect.
The arrested individual was identified as Lalruatzauva, 34, a resident of Champhai, which borders Myanmar. The drugs and the suspect were handed over to the local police for further investigation and legal action.
According to the police, the drugs were smuggled from Myanmar.
“Ongoing contraband smuggling remains a significant concern for both Mizoram and India. The Assam Rifles continue to intensify their efforts to combat illegal trafficking and apprehend the masterminds behind these operations,” an official statement read.
On January 24, the Assam Rifles, in collaboration with the Excise and Narcotics Department, had seized heroin worth Rs 35.51 crore in the same Champhai district and arrested two individuals in connection with the case.
Mizoram shares a 510 km-long unfenced border with Myanmar’s Chin state, passing through six districts — Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip. Champhai is a hotspot for the smuggling of drugs, arms, and ammunition.
Drugs, particularly heroin and methamphetamine tablets, are frequently smuggled into northeastern India from Myanmar, which has a 1,643 km-long unfenced border with four northeastern states: Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Manipur (398 km), Nagaland (215 km), and Mizoram (510 km).