GUWAHATI: In the wake of the ongoing unrest in Manipur, Mizoram has been identified as the latest conduit for drug smuggling from Myanmar, compelling local law enforcement to intensify their operations against the illicit trade.
Drawing from Assam Rifles’ data, the cumulative drug haul over the recent four-day span in Mizoram has exceeded Rs 100 crore in value.
On Monday, in a collaborative effort, the Assam Rifles and the Mizoram police force executed a joint raid in Zokhawthar village, situated in Champhai district. The operation culminated in the confiscation of 1.5 lakh methamphetamine tablets, weighing approximately 17 kilograms and valued at a staggering Rs 45 crore.
Notably, this bust marks the third significant seizure in a short span of four days.
Earlier on October 12, an operation undertaken jointly by the Assam Rifles and the state Excise and Narcotics Department led to the capture of 40,400 methamphetamine tablets in Zote village, Champhai district. The drugs, worth Rs 12.12 crore, were seized and one individual was arrested in connection to the seizure.
Following this, another operation on October 13 at Zokhawthar yielded methamphetamine tablets worth Rs. 45 crore, leading to the detention of a 24-year-old national from Myanmar.
Mizoram, gearing up for its assembly elections on November 7, continues to grapple with the pervasive issue of drug smuggling. Recognising the urgency, especially in the lead-up to the elections, Mizoram’s police have been ramping up operations.
“Our objective is two fold: to enhance the efficacy of general policing and to ensure the seamless and peaceful progression of the forthcoming assembly elections. Our relentless pursuit against drug trafficking has yielded significant results,” asserted Director General of Police, Anil Shukla, in a press briefing on October 8.
