Massive Drug Bust in Assam: NCB Seizes Methamphetamine Worth Rs 88 Crore, Four Arrested
Imphal/Guwahati: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday commended the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) for its successful crackdown on an international drug cartel, leading to the arrest of four individuals and the seizure of methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 88 crore in Assam.
NCB’s Swift Action Against Drug Trafficking
Shah took to X (formerly Twitter) to highlight the government’s determination to eliminate drug networks, stating, “No mercy for drug cartels. Accelerating the Modi government’s march to build a drug-free Bharat, a massive consignment of methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 88 crore has been seized, and four members of an international drug cartel have been arrested in Imphal and Guwahati zones.”
NCB Imphal Operation: Truck Concealed With Methamphetamine Tablets
On March 13, NCB officials in the Imphal zone conducted a targeted operation, intercepting a truck near Lilong. Upon searching the vehicle, authorities discovered 102.39 kg of methamphetamine tablets hidden inside a toolbox at the rear of the truck. Two individuals in the truck were arrested on the spot.
Following the seizure, NCB operatives swiftly launched a follow-up operation and detained a third suspect in Lilong, who was allegedly the receiver of the contraband. A four-wheeler linked to drug trafficking was also confiscated, leading to another arrest.
Guwahati Operation: Drug Haul Near Assam-Mizoram Border
On the same day, NCB officials from the Guwahati zone intercepted an SUV at the Assam-Mizoram border near Silchar. A detailed search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 7.48 kg of methamphetamine tablets concealed within the spare tire. The suspect driving the vehicle was taken into custody.
Investigations indicate that the contraband originated from Moreh, Manipur, with Karimganj, Assam, being its intended destination.
NCB Takes Over Probe Into Mizoram Drug Seizure
In another related case, the NCB has taken over the investigation from the Mizoram State Excise Department regarding a separate seizure of 46 kg of crystal meth in Aizawl on March 6. Four individuals involved in this drug syndicate have already been arrested, and further investigations are underway.
The Growing Drug Threat in Northeast India
Officials have pointed out that the Northeastern region has become one of India’s most vulnerable areas for drug trafficking due to its geographic location. The NCB, through its five zonal units and a regional headquarters, has been actively working against drug cartels operating in the region, particularly those trafficking synthetic drugs like methamphetamine, commonly known as YABA.
Government’s Continued Crackdown on Drugs
Amit Shah reiterated that the Modi government remains committed to eliminating the drug menace from the country. He emphasized that the latest drug bust is a testament to the government’s bottom-to-top and top-to-bottom approach in combating drug trafficking.
With multiple successful operations and the tightening of law enforcement measures, authorities continue to dismantle illegal drug networks, ensuring a safer and drug-free India.
