Guwahati: In a major operation by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) against organised drug syndicates operating in the north eastern region of India, 26 kg methamphetamine tablets smuggled into India through the Indo-Myanmar border in Mizoram were seized at Dwarband Bazar in Cachar district, Assam, on 19 January 2025. The operation was assisted by personnel of Assam Rifles, Silchar.

The 26 kg methamphetamine tablets, concealed in a specially built cavity in an Ashok Leyland truck, were seized in Silchar, Assam. The estimated value of the seized drug in the international illicit drug market is Rs 26 crore. One person has been arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.

In another case, 6 kg methamphetamine tablets, valued at Rs 6 crore, were seized from a truck on the outskirts of Agartala, Tripura, on 20 January 2025. The drugs were concealed beneath the dashboard of the truck, and two persons were arrested in connection with the case.

In its continued efforts to combat drug smuggling and trafficking in the north eastern region and dismantle the networks of drug dealers and syndicates, the DRI has booked 36 cases of smuggling and trafficking of contraband drugs during the current financial year, beginning April 2024. A total of 70 persons, including seven women, have been arrested.

The contraband drugs seized during this period include over 231 kg methamphetamine tablets, 16 kg heroin, 1,375 kg ganja (cannabis), and 3.7 kg hydroponic weed, with a combined value exceeding Rs 355 crore. The DRI has also seized 32 vehicles, comprising 19 cars and 13 trucks, used for concealing and transporting the illicit drugs.

A new trend observed is the smuggling of hydroponic weed into north eastern India by air passengers. Hydroponic weed is a type of marijuana derived from cannabis plants grown in nutrient-rich water rather than conventional soil-based methods.

BI Bureau