Assam Rifles seizes heroin valued at Rs 1.34 crore, arrests 3 alleged drug peddlers

Aizawl, June 24 (IANS) The Assam Rifles, in joint operations with other law enforcement agencies, seized heroin valued at more than Rs 1.34 crore in Mizoram and arrested three alleged drug peddlers in separate operations, officials said on Wednesday.

A defence spokesman said that, acting on specific intelligence inputs, Assam Rifles personnel, in association with the Mizoram Police, carried out a targeted operation in the Zote area of Champhai district.

During the operation, the joint team intercepted two individuals whose movements were found to be suspicious.

A thorough search led to the recovery of 141.42 grams of illegally procured heroin, a highly addictive narcotic substance, with an estimated international market value of approximately Rs 1.06 crore.

The seized contraband and the two apprehended individuals were subsequently handed over to the Excise and Narcotics Department in Champhai for further investigation and necessary legal proceedings.

In another operation, acting on specific intelligence inputs received from reliable sources regarding the movement of narcotics in the Bawngkawn area of Aizawl district, Assam Rifles personnel, in coordination with the Excise and Narcotics Department, launched a swift, well-coordinated and meticulously planned joint operation.

During the operation, alert troops intercepted an individual suspected of carrying narcotic substances.

Upon detailed checking, the joint team recovered three boxes containing approximately 38 grams of heroin, valued at around Rs 28.5 lakh in the illegal market.

One individual, identified as Lalvunga (41), a resident of Mualkawi in Champhai district, was apprehended while allegedly attempting to deliver the narcotics consignment.

The apprehended individual, along with the seized heroin, was handed over to the Excise and Narcotics Department for further investigation and legal action.

An official statement said that the successful operations once again highlighted the unwavering commitment, operational preparedness and close coordination between the Assam Rifles and sister agencies in combating narco-trafficking activities in Mizoram.

The statement added that the force remains steadfast in its efforts to maintain peace, security and stability in the region while intensifying measures to curb the smuggling of narcotics and other contraband.

Myanmar’s Chin State has long been regarded as a major transit corridor for the smuggling of narcotics, exotic wildlife species, explosives and other contraband into India through Mizoram’s six border-linked districts — Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual and Serchhip.

These six districts share a 510-km-long unfenced and mountainous international border with Myanmar, making the region particularly vulnerable to cross-border smuggling activities and the movement of illegal goods.

Security agencies have repeatedly expressed concern over the exploitation of the porous border by transnational smuggling syndicates, with narcotics trafficking continuing to remain one of the most significant challenges confronting law enforcement agencies in the region.

Officials said that sustained intelligence-based operations and enhanced inter-agency coordination are being carried out to curb the menace of drug trafficking and strengthen border security in Mizoram and other northeastern states.

–IANS

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