A swift anti-drug operation in Assam has exposed a suspected cross-border smuggling chain, leading to the seizure of heroin worth ₹2.1 crore and the arrest of three people. Authorities say the drugs may have travelled across international borders before reaching southern Assam.
Security forces from Assam Rifles, working alongside Assam Police, carried out an intelligence-based operation in Silchar. The action took place in the Meherpur area of Cachar district after officials detected suspicious movement.
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According to defence spokesman Mahendra Rawat, the suspects tried to flee when security forces approached them. A brief chase followed, and their vehicle was intercepted. The quick response by joint team prevented the suspects from escaping.
Heroin hidden in soap cases
During search, officials recovered 30 soap cases filled with heroin. Total weight of seized drugs was approximately 349 grams. Authorities estimated market value of contraband at ₹2.1 crore.
The seized heroin, along with detained individuals, was handed over to the police for further investigation.
Three accused arrested
The arrested individuals have been identified as Apu Saha, Parimal Das, and Manju Rani Biswas Datta. All three are residents of different districts of Tripura.
Police registered a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. Officials are now investigating their network and possible links to cross-border trafficking.
Suspected cross-border route
According to Assam Police, the heroin is suspected to have been smuggled from Myanmar. Investigators believe the consignment entered southern Assam through Mizoram before being trafficked further toward Bangladesh or other parts of India.
Southern Assam shares a 164.6-kilometre inter-state border with Mizoram.
Mizoram shares a 510-kilometre unfenced international border with Myanmar and a 318-kilometre mountainous and porous border with Bangladesh.
Officials also pointed out that Chin State in Myanmar is considered major hub for trafficking narcotics, arms, exotic wildlife, foreign-made cigarettes, Myanmar areca nuts.
Illegal goods are often routed through six Mizoram districts: Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, Serchhip. These areas serve as entry points for contraband moving into other northeastern states.