Daijiworld Media Network - Aizawl

Aizawl, Feb 21: The Assam Rifles has confiscated a large consignment of methamphetamine tablets valued at over Rs 11.85 crore and arrested four alleged drug traffickers, including three Myanmar nationals, in Mizoram, officials said on Saturday.

According to a defence spokesperson, the operation was launched late Friday night based on specific intelligence inputs about the movement of banned narcotics. A Mobile Vehicle Check Post (MVCP) was set up at Kakichhuha village in Lawngtlai district. During the operation, security personnel intercepted four suspects who had reportedly entered India from Myanmar by boat via the Koladyne River.

A detailed search led to the recovery of around 80,000 methamphetamine tablets weighing 3.952 kg. The seized contraband, commonly known as Yaba or “party tablets,” contains a mixture of methamphetamine and caffeine and is prohibited in India.

The arrested individuals were identified as Lairamlaina (40), a resident of Lawngtlai district, along with three Myanmar nationals — Chaimoungthein (17), Thanlaing (17), and Thanlaigwon (15). The accused and the seized drugs have been handed over to Bungtlang Police Station in Lawngtlai district for further legal proceedings.

Reaffirming its commitment to counter cross-border smuggling, Assam Rifles stated that it continues to intensify efforts to curb narcotics trafficking along the Indo-Myanmar border and maintain security in the region.

Mizoram shares a 510-km-long unfenced border with Myanmar and a 318-km porous border with Bangladesh, making it vulnerable to illegal trade. Myanmar’s Chin state is widely regarded as a key transit hub for smuggling activities, including narcotics, wildlife products, foreign cigarettes, and areca nuts, routed through Mizoram’s border districts such as Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual and Serchhip.